Fears proposed warehouse will cause traffic issues

Residents say they are concerned about plans for a warehouse and the traffic and noise issues they say it could cause.

Gompels Healthcare Ltd, a family-run wholesaler, has applied for permission to build a new site near Bath Road in Melksham, Wiltshire.

About 400 people have commented on the application on Wiltshire Council's website, with the majority opposing the plans. Resident Michelle McAlinden said it will bring "more traffic and noise, and make life worse for people who live nearby".

But a Gompels' spokesperson said the building would be "far less disruptive than a housing development".

Gompels said the new warehouse would also free up the existing Gompels site on Swift Way.

In its application, it said: "Covid accelerated our growth and our team is doing fantastic work building our customer base so we desperately need more space so we don't let our customers down."

A petition signed by 45 people stated they were objecting because of the number of visits to the warehouse each day.

They were also concerned that road safety would be put at risk, particularly near Melksham Oak School.

Resident Daniel Rymer also commented on the proposal, he said: "This decision seems poorly thought out, particularly given the potential negative impacts on wildlife, the local environment, and the quality of life for nearby residents."

Aiden Lowman added: "This will needlessly destroy the countryside and add an increased risk to the school children nearby, it will also greatly disturb the residential areas nearby."

A spokesperson for Gompels said: "After six years of exhaustive site searches, this is the only viable option. Moving to another town isn't realistic - employees can't afford the extra commute or childcare costs.

"Yes, not everyone loves the look of a warehouse, but they are essential to everyday life. This one will be discreetly screened with thousands of trees, deliver a 20% biodiversity gain, and meet the highest sustainability standards.

"It's carbon-neutral and emits no noise, pollution, or odours—far less disruptive than a housing development."

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