Councillors have backed updated plans for a £100 million Wiltshire factory but are calling for bus and cycle routes to avoid congestion.
In April, Siemens Mobility submitted designs for the major development at Southpoint Business Park, on the southern outskirts of Chippenham, which would replace their Langley Park facility.
If the proposal is approved, the firm will build a state-of-the-art manufacturing, digital engineering, and research and development centre at the site.
Following consultation with the town council and other stakeholders, Siemens submitted revised plans in July, to address concerns raised during this process.
READ MORE: New Siemens factory in Chippenham could allow 'jobs boom'
This has included an updated sustainable energy strategy confirming the facility has the potential to be net zero carbon, and all-electric.
Under the revised designs, the speed limit on Patterdown Lane, which could become a busy commuter route to the site, would be lowered to 30mph to make cycling to the factory easier.
At a Chippenham Town Council meeting, the planning committee, which welcomed the initial plans but highlighted some areas of concern, resolved not to object to the latest scheme.
Cllr John Scragg said: “All the aspects of this site by Siemens are welcome and I would certainly recommend approval.”
Officers added their gratitude to Siemens for its “comprehensive consideration” of the issues raised in the initial proposal.
Town councillors have expressed their support for the development and the economic benefits it could bring to the town throughout the planning process.
But during the meeting, the committee reiterated its concerns about a lack of appropriate cycle routes to the site and emphasised the need for a shuttle bus from the town centre to prevent congestion in the area.
SEE ALSO: More details on plans for £100 million Wiltshire factory revealed
Cllr David Poole said: “This site is going to generate between 800 and 1,000 employees so anything that can be put in place to improve cycling and walking from the town centre would help.
“That is the only thing that concerns me about the application, there’s a lot of people and a lot of traffic so it’s really important we get the infrastructure in place.”
Cllr Clare Cape added: “I would underscore the transport between the centre of Chippenham and the site, for those that don’t cycle, to avoid car use.”
If approved by Wiltshire Council, Siemens hopes to build the factory and make it operational by 2026, in line with the end of its lease at Langley Park.
A consultation on the revised plans will run until Thursday, August 8.
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