Asda Loses Appeal To Build Superstore in Chippenham

ASDA will not be coming to Chippenham after they lost their High Court battle to redevelop the old Langley Park site with a superstore and 200 new homes.

The supermarket giant took their appeal to the High Court after the plans were rejected by the former North Wiltshire District Council two years ago.

The original application was rejected on traffic and infrastructure grounds.

Unhappy with this, they challenged the planning inspector's decision with a High Court battle, which they have now lost.

Spokesman for developer Ashtenne, Wayne Locke, said: “Whilst we are disappointed in the judgement relating to the previous application, we have in the intervening period been working closely and pro-actively with officers of the new Wiltshire Council to work up a more acceptable scheme.

"The role of Langley Park is critical in delivering new homes for Chippenham in the short term together with a comprehensive regeneration solution for the town in these difficult economic times.

"The viability of this regeneration scheme is of course essential and under the foreseeable economic climate, the required new homes and retention of the White House will most certainly not be deliverable unless the retail store is also permitted.

"Similar proposed schemes at Bath Road in Chippenham, St. Stephen Place, in Trowbridge and Regents Place in Swindon have either been, or are ,on the verge of being shelved completely, so it is essential that Chippenham does not lose this opportunity to deliver this exciting regeneration opportunity”.

Despite their defeat it is thought that new plans will come before the Northern Area Planning Committee within the next few months.

What do you think about Asda's battle to build in Chippenham? Would Langley Park and the town centre benefit from a new superstore? Let us know what you think here at Chippenham People.