COUNCILLORS are hoping access could be improved to an industrial park in Warminster after they approved a planning application for the site, overruling the recommendation of their own officers.

Colder Refrigeration asked West Wiltshire District Council for permission to build an extended industrial unit on land next to Crusader Park in Furnax Lane, Warminster.

Officers advised members of the district council's planning committee to reject the plan for an L-shaped industrial building because of problems with access in Furnax Lane and discrepancies about whether the building could be defined as an extension.

Councillors voted to approve the application on Thursday after Cllr Chris March (Con) requested that it be considered.

Furnax Lane is a track, categorised as a footpath, used by businesses to access their premises.

It varies in condition and width along its length and also leads to Gibbs Transport and Wiltshire County Council's civic amenity site.

Cllr March said: "I am delighted that the application was approved. Although there is no specific reference in this plan to improving the road we hope it will lead to future modernisation of Furnax Lane.

"I hope this application will enable the companies on the site to expand and help the local economy.

"The improvements that will come with this development may lead to other businesses coming to invest in the site.

"It is at the very least one step forward and will go some way to solving the problems of access at Crusader Park and will kick start more general improvements in the area as well as contributing to the local economy.

"The road needs to be adopted and improved to spur on local businesses."

When the industrial building is completed close to the western boundary of the site, it will be split into two and include 52 parking spaces outside.

Colder Refrigeration and Art Solutions, with 20 employees between them, will occupy the building once complete if the project goes according to plan.