Decision details

This report outlines the progress made on the LCWIPs for Chippenham, Devizes and Trowbridge.  It summarises the work program, consultation undertaken and seeks member approval for the LCWIPs, and priority schemes put forward for each town.

I approve that:

(i)            The LCWIPS for Devizes and Trowbridge be approved as set out in the Background Papers. 

(ii)           The LCWIP for Chippenham be approved subject to some minor changes arising from consultation feedback from the Town Council and the Chippenham Cycle Network Development Group.  Changes to be delegated to the Head of Sustainable Transport.  

This decision was published on 25 April 2024 and will come into force on 3 May 2024.    

Adopted LCWIPs are a key prerequisite for unlocking government funding through Active Travel England (ATE).  Failure to develop and adopt LCWIPs will significantly reduce the chance of successful funding bids and is likely to harm the Council’s ambitious aspirations on active travel, climate change, air pollution and health and wellbeing objectives.

No other options have been considered.  It is clear that the government requires all walking and cycling schemes to be developed as part of a systematic, evidence-based network of routes using the LCWIP methodology. Without the provenance of an LCWIP it is unlikely that any capital scheme bids will be successful in attracting government capital funding to enable implementation.

The LCWIPs were the subject of extensive consultation which included the formation of steering groups, public and stakeholder engagement in the early part of the plan development followed by full public consultation on the draft final report.