Extra Chippenham flood investment welcomed, but questions raised over time frame of improvement scheme
Wiltshire Council has pledged £1.8m to the Chippenham Avon Project
Last updated 20th Nov 2025
A charity in Chippenham that was forced to leave its premises for almost a year due to flooding is urging local and national authorities not to waste time in delivering flood defence improvements for the town.
Wiltshire Council has pledged an extra £800,000 to a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) for the Chippenham Avon Project, raising the total to £1.8 million.
The scheme, which will see the failing radial sluice gates on the River Avon replaced, is still going through planning, with a public consultation due next August. But no work is expected to begin until early 2028.
Doorway Project CEO, Jon Yates, tells us that leaves concerns in the meantime.
"It's great news that it makes it more likely. But my concern is it just takes so long," he said. "They could come up with any number they like, but if it's still going to be 2030 by the time they've delivered it, then obviously we've got to live with the situation as it is for another five years.
"In the meantime we still have to think about what we can do to mitigate a potential flooding of our premises, which we've only just recovered after storm Burt in November of 2024."
The charity, which supports rough sleepers in Chippenham, was unable to provide its full service to the homeless while it was away from its base at the Citadel.
Jon added that the speed at which climate change is impacting our environment raises concerns that planned improvements might not cater for the most difficult situations.
"I don't think anybody genuinely knows our worst case scenario is," he said. "Last years were the biggest floods since the 60s, it was talked about as a once in a century event, but I don't think we can take any solace in any such proclamations these days because the climate is changing so rapidly."
He told us he's concerned the project may only provide defence for what happened in 2024: "We've identified a set of changes to make to our environment locally to mitigate against something that's already happened.
"Actually it could be much worse than 2024. So does it proof against that in any way you know, because the environment's changing more quickly than our responses."
Speaking about the £800k added to the CIL, Cllr Helen Belcher, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Assets, said: "This is a vital step forward for Chippenham. By committing this funding, we are not only addressing an urgent flood risk but also investing in a project that will transform the town centre, create better public spaces, and improve access to the river for everyone. It's about safeguarding the future while enhancing quality of life today."
Action being taken to ensure "reliable and safe" operation of radial gate
The Environment Agency (EA) has told us that it understands the importance of reducing the flood risk for Chippenham, saying it appreciates the disruption it causes and sympathises with those affected by it.
It's says the radial gate will continue to be operational this winter, but steps will be taken to ensure it works reliably and safely.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: "These measures include diverting smaller floating debris over the weir to prevent it becoming stuck at the gate and establishing new procedures so any emergency works can be carried out safely and efficiently if needed."
"We have been working alongside Wiltshire Council, Chippenham Town Council, and the local community on the Chippenham Avon Project, to ensure people and businesses are more prepared for flooding and able to minimise the damages that could occur.
“Design work has continued throughout the year, informed by surveys completed over the summer. The project has received a significant boost with funding commitments from both councils and the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. We plan to share the updated designs with the public in late summer 2026, followed by a planning application in winter 2026/2027. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2028 at the earliest.”