Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

The HRR is already generating 'urban myths'.

As is to be expected, there are numerous rumours regarding the road. The following are FACTS:-

The road received planning permission from West Wiltshire District Council on the 22nd August 2006 under reference 04/01389.

Before granting permission, the WWDC planning committee deferred its decision for a study to be made of a 'far east' route which would have run roughly from where the new rugby clubhouse is on the A361, east of both Hilperton and Staverton (with various link roads into the villages) and on round towards Forewoods Common.

There is NO condition restricting the hours/days when work can take place. The full list of planning conditions can be found here.

NONE of the land in the Hilperton Gap is shown for housing (or any 'built' use) in the proposed 2026 Local Plan.

NONE of the land is within the 'settlement policy limits' of either Hilperton or Trowbridge.

With the exception of using the public rights of way (and any possible permissive paths that might be created) all the land in the Gap is private. It is not 'public' land.

A weight limit should be in place on the current B3105 from the day that the HRR opens.

Traffic calming will follow when traffic flows and volume have been established. This is to ensure that money is not wasted by installing the 'wrong' type of traffic calming in the 'wrong' place.

My 2013 WC Election Address suggested blocking Devizes Road to stop 'rat running'. This possibilty will form part of the traffic calming process.

Middle Lane will not be usable by motor vehicles but a crossing (probably a light-controlled Pegasus type) will be provided for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

There will be 'kissing gates' at every other point where a public right of way crosses the road.

If you have any questions about the HRR, or the Gap in general, please contact me rather than listen to (probably ill-informed) gossip.

My e-mail address is ernie.clark@wiltshire.gov.uk