M4 junction development plans hit setback in Wiltshire

Plans for a major industrial development beside an M4 junction in Wiltshire have hit another complication.

Plans for a major industrial development beside an M4 junction in Wiltshire have hit another complication.

The proposal to redevelop land immediately northeast of junction 17 of the M4 at Chippenham has already proved unpopular with residents and councillors who fear existing traffic issues could be pushed past “breaking point.”

Stoford Alderley wants to build large industrial and logistics buildings on the site, which is currently used for agriculture.

But now another objection against the plans has been submitted after an initial consultation received over 100 responses.

This one comes from Wiltshire Council’s ecology team, which has lodged an objection until further information can be submitted about the presence of breeding skylarks identified on the site.

A letter said: “The submitted Ecological Impact Assessment identifies skylarks as present onsite, with one ‘probable’ breeding territory recorded during surveys.

“Skylarks are a European Protected Species and must be considered within the planning process.

“Further clarification is required regarding the confirmed presence of skylarks and the number of breeding pairs currently occupying the site.”

The developer must also show how it will mitigate the impact of the scheme on any skylarks currently nesting at the site.

The letter added: “The site lies adjacent to the M4 corridor and is surrounded by ongoing and proposed development, resulting in significant cumulative pressure on open farmland habitats that are critical for ground-nesting species such as skylark.

“In this context, it cannot be assumed that skylarks will disperse into adjacent land, especially given the increasing development of the surrounding landscape.

“If nesting skylarks are confirmed onsite, the development must provide a clearly defined mitigation strategy.”