NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray has spoken out against plans made by Wiltshire Council to build a £75m relief road around East Chippenham.

Proposals, backed by Chippenham Town Council have recently been announced that could see a link road built around the town, and would see the development of 7,500 more houses by 2043.

James Gray wrote to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to stress his opposition to the plans stating that:

“I am horrified by a bid made by a Wiltshire Councillor for HIT funding of some £75 million towards what is effectively a ring road around the edge of Chippenham… It breaches every aspect of the Neighbourhood Plan, which specifies that the Eastern side of the town of Chippenham has outstanding natural and community value, and that it should not be built on in any circumstances.

HIT funding, as I understand it, demands full public support and I can tell you that there has been no public consultation at all. The parish councils of Bremhill and Tytherton Lucas are opposed to it, as am I.

This proposed road is a serious desecration of the countryside and should not, under any circumstances, be allowed.”