I WAS most interested to read Phoebe Kemp’s comments about the old Bowyers (Innox Mill) development site.
My fellow councillor Graham Payne and I have both been keen supporters of the same, since the original application was submitted in October 2011. Since that time, we have seen that proposal frustrated by overturned planning decisions on two occasions, a protest march and finally seeing that developer win a successful appeal in January 2014.
However, shortly after this, the owners at that time – Morrisons – decided for commercial reasons not to proceed with this development and sold the site on. We were first introduced to the new developer’s planning agents in the spring of 2016 and we have been waiting since, for their promised public presentation of the proposed planning submission.
Existing planning policy allows for a mixed-use type development on this site, one which I consider has always been the key site in our town, with the most potential by being sited next to the railway station with sustainable transport links. 
However, there are existing major constraints on this site, which make a housing-only development less than straightforward. I would also be most concerned about the potential loss of town centre employment opportunities if there were no commercial elements included.
Hopefully, we can look forward to seeing and considering an imaginative set of proposals, which will compliment this important town centre location.
Cllr John Knight
Representing Trowbridge Central Division
Serving on both Trowbridge Town & Wiltshire Councils