Wiltshire Council has been successful in defending a challenge against the decision making and consultation for the Future Chippenham programme.

The programme is a proposed residential development to the south of the town, following a High Court hearing held on Thursday, May 26, in Cardiff.  

A High Court Judge has today ruled in favour of Wiltshire Council on all three counts after considering the arguments put forward by both parties.  

Court documents were originally served on the council on 20 October 2021 on the grounds that: 

  • The public should not have been excluded from part of the Cabinet meeting on 21 July 2021   
  • The council said that it would consult on the Concept Framework proposals and didn't   
  • The council failed to consult in a meaningful way on the final, abridged route to the south   

Councillor Richard Clewer, Leader of Wiltshire Council, said: "We are delighted that the High Court Judge has found the council's decision-making process lawfully sound and ruled in our favour.    

"Development proposed by the Future Chippenham programme will be subject to the Local Plan review and the statutory planning process. The Future Chippenham programme will follow the same rules that apply to any other land owner that wishes to propose development in Wiltshire. 

"The recent ruling shows that the approach of the programme complies with the legislative requirement and should give the people of Chippenham confidence that they will be consulted and provided all information in relation to the programme so that they are fully informed at the appropriate time to make their views known.  

"We will continue to progress with work to develop the Future Chippenham programme and prepare for a full public consultation on the proposals later in the year." 

More to follow.