By David Parker
The toucan crossing on the A30/A36 to connect the Wilton Hill development with the town centre has been delayed again.
Developers Redrow told New Valley News it would be constructed in late Summer, but work is scheduled to begin in the New year, according to Wiltshire Council.
It has been delayed due to approvals and permits required by Highways England. Final legal points are being resolved between Redrow and Highways England and a contractor is expected construct the crossing in the first quarter of 2021, the council said.
It is believed locally that compliance with planning conditions of the five -year development has been very poor. Asked why has it not been more closely monitored, a council statement to NVN stressed: “We have followed up any perceived breaches of either the legal agreement and/or planning conditions as they have been brought to our attention. We will always seek to negotiate compliance with any breaches that occur before resorting to more formal measures.
“Such negotiations take time to resolve, but will always be resolved. Still outstanding are the Millennium Gates, for which an application is to be registered shortly, and the Toucan crossing. Both will be largely resolved in the first part of next year.
“Due to current highway health and safety concerns, The Millennium Gates are currently stored off site and existing access to the Park and Ride roundabout is closed.
“An application to amend the entrance involves retention of the conservation and heritage aspects of the wing walls, railings and plaque, but removing the pillars to enable pedestrian and cycleway access for the current highways standards. The future location of the gate will be determined by consultation with the residents, and the Public Arts Contribution is available. “The timescale is for a planning application submitted imminently and the access open around March, 2021. Our Wilton CIC will receive the Public Arts Contribution and manage the public consultation to determine the future location or use of the gates within the development.
“Redrow and Our Wilton CIC are progressing an application for an Enterprise Hub, nursery and further housing on the residual land with an application to be submitted December 2020/January 2021.”
A recent discussion on-line, was open to all Redrow residents, and a representative from Redrow and Wiltshire Council. Matthew Bell, Our Witon director, said: ”We and the CLT (Wilton Community Land Trust) are in discussion with Redrow and I think it will be six to eight weeks before we are concluded picture.
“On the Enterprise Hub, planning is moving forward. Covid19 has had an impact on the pace of the project.”
In early 2013, the Erskine Barracks site was acquired by Redrow Homes Ltd, who selected the name Wilton Hill for the development. Redrow Homes formed a partnership with Our Enterprise, a social developer and the Wilton CLT, to create an innovative new development.
“I am delighted a safe crossing of the A36 is going to be built, but I am disappointed that it has taken more than five years from the Section 106 specified completion date,” said town councillor Alan Crossley.