Wiltshire Council back opposition to business park housing plans despite pay-out risk

Plans were submitted last month to convert the old Virgin building into 98 apartments. Private sector partnership Transforming Trowbridge claimed the move could be a disaster for the town.

Group spokesman Jeff Ligo said “It is brilliant news that they have made the Direction and I’m really chuffed.

“From our perspective, we feel that Transforming Trowbridge has helped the council make its mind up.”

When the government passed legislation to make it unnecessary for planning applications to be submitted when converting empty business units into homes, Wiltshire Council asked for business parks, such as White Horse, to be exempt but were declined – meaning they could have to compensate a developer if they then refuse them planning permission.

Councils can now only oppose applications if they pass an Article 4 Direction which prevents the conversion without a full planning application. Wiltshire Council has now passed an Article 4 Direction covering The Pavilions.

Wiltshire Council said as a result of implementing the Article 4 Direction, a full application would now be required by the applicant if they still wished to pursue the matter.

A spokesman added: “The council has six months from April 19 within which to confirm the notice after considering any responses received.”

The announcement came as a surprise to Cllr Roger Evans, chairman of North Bradley parish council who believes now that Wiltshire Council have made the move, it shows a united front of opposition.

He said: Transforming Trowbridge are doing a lot to improve what we have in the town and in time we hope to attract more businesses to the town centre.

“We don’t always agree with Wiltshire Council but it is very nice to have that feeling of a big brother helping us out. We have got to work together on this and the more the council do to help the community the better.”