ANGRY Trowbridge residents are up in arms over a developer’s plans to convert the historic Courtfield House into housing and to build 16 flats on it’s gardens and orchard.

At Tuesday’s town development meeting, residents criticised Ashford Homes for its proposal to turn the Polebarn Road house into five flats, to build 16 flats on the gardens, and convert the historic wool store into communal garaging and parking.

Mike Dooley, of Polebarn Road, said: “The balance between preserving Courtfield House and serving the community has swayed towards having a new build development.”

The plans also include chopping down the orchard, which was bought by the developer in November, which has enraged many.

“It is mindboggling they could get rid of all those trees,” said Grace Farrimond.

Comments on the plans can be made until July 6.