A FINAL decision on the position of a play area on Chippenham has been delayed following a site visit by county councillors.

After a lengthy report by Mike Moran, who recommended the present site be refurbished with development monies (the 106 levy), cabinet members at Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) who were due to review the report on 7th February inspected the present site and took the view that the existing site has shortcomings due to “its proximity to noise and possible vehicle emissions from the busy adjacent trunk road”.

However they are aware that there are problems with moving to a new part of Chippenham as the area is a registered Village Green and protected by law.

Proposals to renew the existing play area are opposed by some who want the play area relocated to a more environmentally suitable part of Chippenham Mead. Meanwhile, other residents are opposed to the move in order to protect the area as an open space.

Councillor Bob Greenland, deputy leader of the council said that they felt that the present area “was hemmed in by the high rear walls of the adjoining school, the A40 and earth bunding around the site. Having inspected the whole area we have asked officers to investigate the feasibility of other sites on Chippenham Mead so that we might identify a preferred option."

Members of the public and other interested parties will have the opportunity to comment prior to the preferred option being considered by Cabinet. 

If an alternative site is proposed by the Cabinet it will require planning approval and Welsh Government consent under the Village Green Scheme of Regulation. This process will also include an opportunity for comments.