Press Release by Swindon Borough Council            8 April 2008

 

GREEN LIGHT FROM SWINDON BOROUGH COUNCIL FOR WICHELSTOWE ‘CONDITION 99’

 

A major stage in the development of the Wichelstowe site has been reached with the approval of a revised design for Junction 16 on the M4, which will allow the main access road into the site to be built.

 

Swindon Borough Council’s Director for Planning and Transport Strategy has agreed that the junction improvements comply with the requirements of the planning permission – a process known in planning terms as the formal discharge of ‘Condition 99’ – which means that homes on the site can now be legally occupied.

 

The junction changes are necessary to allow the main access road into the Wichelstowe development to run south of the M4 for a short distance from Junction 16 along an improved B4005 before passing under the motorway in a 90-metre long tunnel and into the site.

 

Swindon Borough Council was required to consult with both Wiltshire County Council and the Highways Agency about the proposed junction changes, although their views were not binding on the final decision. The Highways Agency made minor amendments to the design, which have been incorporated, while Wiltshire County Council objected to the proposal on the grounds that there was not enough provision for pedestrians.

 

Cllr Phil Young, Swindon Borough Council cabinet member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “I’m very pleased that this issue is now settled and we can get on with the work to make Wichelstowe one of the most sustainable communities in Europe.

 

“The release of Condition 99 was portrayed in some quarters as ‘make or break’ for the development, which was never the case. It was simply about making sure that the improvements needed to the motorway junction were properly designed and will handle the predicted traffic levels. I’m entirely satisfied that our decision to sign off Condition 99 is the right one.”

 

Ends

 

Notes to Editors: ‘Condition 99’ refers to planning condition number 99, out of 102, of the outline planning permission for the Wichelstowe development. Condition 99 required improvements to be made to Junction 16 of the M4. 

 

Media contact: Richard Freeman, Swindon Borough Council Communications (01793) 463416