Works to improve traffic flow and journey times on the A350 at Chippenham and at Junction 17 on the M4 are due to commence this summer.
Following the completion of improvement works at Bumpers Farm and Brook roundabouts in February 2016, the next scheme proposal on the A350 Chippenham Bypass, due to start in mid-July.
As part of Network Rail’s upgrade plan they are electrifying the railway line from London Paddington to Cardiff. This will help bring passengers quieter, more frequent and more reliable services on a new fleet of trains with Great Western Railway which have more seats and more space.
When will the work take place? Read more… (http://chippenham.ourcommunitymatters.org.uk/news/planned-network-rail-works-between-chippenham-and-swindon-in-july/)
After what feels like an age, the weight restriction on the B4069 through the village comes into force on 3rd July, which should remove the heavy lorries from thundering down the High Street.
Read the official Weight Restriction Order and Press Release:
TRO 3089 – Weight Restriction Order
You will require Adobe Acrobat to view the documents on this page.Download a copy here: 
Furher details will be found in the following document:
The resurfacing work on the High Street, Sutton Benger will start on 19th June 2017 and last for three weeks. The work will be take place between 9:30am and 3:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Due to the nature of the required works and the local environment, the works are to be carried out within a temporary road closure, to ensure that adequate health and safety is maintained for local residents and the Contractor.
During the works period, access to enable residents and businesses to enter and egress from their properties will be maintained, however this could be temporarily restricted due to site operations.
The Contractor will endeavour to minimise the delay; although due to the nature of the works minor disruption is inevitable. It is essential that the road remains un-trafficked until the new material has set, as early trafficking could lead to premature failure. Dedicated Traffic Management operatives at the extent of the works will monitor access and give motorists assistance.
Access the documents:
The Annual Meeting of the Parish Council deals the election of the Chair and various housekeeping duties, including approval of the Standing Orders and Financial Regulations.
Following an uncontested election, 6 Parish Councillors were elected – Phil Jones, Norman Davis, Keith Pound, Malcolm Bines, Leigh Varnham and Nicola Hayward.
There are now 5 Vacancies on the Parish Council. To be an effective Council and to properly represent the whole Community we really need to fill these vacancies – if you are aged 18+ and would be interested in joining the team please contact the Clerk.
Decision were made on 4 applications:
17/03144/FUL – The Old Dairy, Draycot Park Farm, SN15 5LH – The extension and linking of two adjacent office buildings, the extension of two warehouses/workshops and the creation of a new warehouse/workshop – Support
17/03280/FUL – Daisy Cottage, 26 High Street, SN15 4RF – Proposed detached single garage (Resubmission of 17/00850/FUL) – Object
17/03320/FUL – Land South of Bell House Hotel, 47 High Street, SN15 4RH – Proposed conversion & extension of existing outbuilding into new dwelling with associated landscaping – Support subject to conditions
17/03980/LBC – Land South of Bell House Hotel, 47 High Street, SN15 4RH – Proposed conversion & extension of existing outbuilding into new dwelling with associated landscaping – No Objections
17/03417/OUT – St Modwen Storage and Distribution Centre at J17 – The Council agreed to object to this application at the Extraordinary Meeting held on 26 April 2017 and the Clerk’s draft letter was approved for submission. Cllr H Greenman advised that he had called the application in to Committee.
The planned resurfacing of the entire length of the B4069, High Street is due to take place on 25 June 2017 and will require the road to be closed and/or contra-flowed for up to 2 weeks – full details will be posted on the website (www.suttonbengerparishcouncil.gov.uk) and noticeboards when available.
We have been advised that this Order will come into force on the 5 July – to coincide with the resurfacing work (we hope!).
Not to be confused with the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council! – it was an opportunity for Community Groups to give an update of their year and included presentations from the Chair of the Parish Council, Chair of Governors for the Primary School, Manager and Deputy Manager of Benger Bears Pre-school, the Chair of the Village Hall Committee, the NDP Group, the PCC and the SBAGA. There were 23 villagers in attendance and at the end of the meeting they enjoyed wine and cheese and the chance to have an informal chat.
The date of the next Meeting of the Parish Council is Wednesday 14 June 2017 in the Village Hall, starting at 7.45 pm.
Planning – Consideration was given to 3 tree applications:
17/00501/TCA – 16 High Street, SN15 4RD – Fell 1 Sycamore & 25% Reduction to Pagoda Tree – No Objections
17/00512/TCA – Wellesley Arms, High Street, SN15 4RD – Fell 1 Sycamore and 1 Elder – No Objections
17/00716/TCA – 4 Manor Farm Drive SN15 4RW – 2 Metre Crown Reduction to 1 Silver Birch and 1 Cherry Tree – No Objections
Great British Spring Clean – a village clean-up event will be held on Sat 4 and Sun 5 March from 10am – 12noon – all VOLUNTEERS WELCOME – equipment will be provided. Further details available from the Parish Clerk, the Parish Noticeboard at The Bell and on the Website – www.suttonbengerparishcouncil.gov.uk.
Safety Concern of School Children – the Clerk was asked to look into the over-parking of cars and lack of road markings at the Chestnut Road/Queens Close junction. There is concern for the safety of school children during school drop-off and pick-up due to the lack of visibility caused by too many parked cars.
The Parish Council have been advised by the Highways Department that arrangements are being made to carry out the resurfacing works this year (2017-18) – subject to traffic management implications. We will keep you posted….
We have also been advised that the 18t Weight Limit will now come into force in March 2017 but have no exact date yet….
In the meantime, please continue to report issues to Wiltshire Council by any/all of the following methods:
Church Piece Charity – Nominated Trustee – the Council supported the nomination for Kay Taylor to continue as the Council’s nominated trustee on the Church Piece Charity and expressed their thanks for her continuing work on behalf of the Community.
Next Parish Council Meeting – The date of the next Parish Council Meeting is Wednesday 8th March 2017 in the Village Hall, starting at 7.45 pm.
Councillor Vacancies – there is currently 1 vacancy for Parish Councillor. Please contact Linda Bragg, Parish Clerk on 07757 351584 / email: parishclerk@suttonbengerparishcouncil.gov.uk for further details and an Application Form if you would like to join our team.
Consideration was given to 3 planning applications:
The PC were happy to approve applications for Community Grants from:
The PC receives is funding from a Precept – this is the parish council’s share of the council tax. A small increase of 2% was agreed, in line with inflation, to £20.70 per household (an increase of 41p). The additional funds will go towards a bigger pot of money for Community Grants and maintenance of grassed areas no longer being cut by Wilts Council.
The Parish Council have requested, many times, that Wiltshire Council Highways resurface the B4069 as it is in such a dangerous condition – only to be told that it “is not in the top 2% of the worst roads in the County”!
The numerous potholes, broken road surface and loose gravel/tarmac pose a serious danger to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians – it is only a matter of time before a serious incident occurs.
To help expedite the resurfacing of the B4069 we would urge you to report issues to Wiltshire Council by any/all of the following methods:
The date of the next Parish Council Meeting is Wednesday 8th February 2017 in the Village Hall, starting at 7.45 pm.
There is currently 1 vacancy for Parish Councillor. Please contact Linda Bragg, Parish Clerk on 07757 351584 / email: parishclerk@suttonbengerparishcouncil.gov.uk for further details and an Application Form if you would like to join our team.
