CRITICISM has been directed at Wiltshire Council by members of the public over a lack of forethought on its plans to redevelopment the East Wing site opposite County Hall.

The authority has put on a drop-in exhibition at the atrium this week, showcasing an outline planning application for its plans which include a new health facility, leisure, residential, retail and food and drink opportunities.

However some people have been critical of the plans, saying more needs to be done to stop congestion, more parking needs to be provided and that the town has enough places to eat already.

Stephen Pike, from Holt, said: “I think Trowbridge, being the county town, should have had a top leisure facility 20 years ago. I am horrified that it has taken this long to get to this stage. It urgently needs facilities for youngsters.”

Michael Melia, from Westbury, added: “I am all for it but the infrastructure is not in place. The traffic from the roundabout at Bythesea Road is bad enough already and that will only get worse.”

Alice Alexander, of Melksham, said: “Where on earth are we going to park? I work shifts at County Hall and it is hard enough to get a spot now. If you take away the spaces across the road for this it will be a nightmare.”

Steph Winter, Trowbridge, commented: "Again I think there needs to be a bit of a rethink and a greater consideration for congestion and parking.

"It is all well and good having these plans but if you do not have the necessary infrastructure in place it may not work.

"Also I do not think we need more food and beverage places, we have enough of that already."

The plans also include a new pedestrian footbridge across the River Biss and improved access and environment along the River Biss corridor.

Wiltshire Councillor Graham Payne added: "I am not against these plans but I think they do not go far enough. If we really are to achieve a top quality leisure facility for the county town, we really deserve a top quality leisure facility of regional standard.

"County Hall parking is not the best at the moment and if you take away parking spaces across the road there will be a big problem. It has taken eight years to get to the stage of having a consultation, it could be a while longer before we actually have something built."

The drop-in exhibition at the atrium in County Hall is on Thursday and Friday between 9am-7pm.

The application can be viewed at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-applications-search with reference number 17/07693/OUT.