Wiltshire Council has released its argument for why the proposed £40m Innox Riverside development on the old Bowyers factory site in Trowbridge should be refused.

In June, members of the Western Area Planning Committee rejected plans for a Cineworld cinema, Morrisons supermarket, six restaurants and a pub on the former factory at Stallard Street. They said they had concerns about traffic problems.

Prorsus, the firm behind the application, has appealed against the decision and a planning inquiry will take place, at a date to be confirmed.

In its statement of submissions, which is available for public viewing, Wiltshire Council argues that the development would be contrary to the emerging Trowbridge Master Plan and Core Strategy.

It also argues that the development could have a harmful impact on footfall and trade at Asda and The Shires shopping centre and on the town centre.

It would, the council argues, also harm the approved Odeon cinema, an 80-bedroom hotel and a restaurants scheme at nearby St Stephen’s Place.

The submission also states the council feels the Innox Riverside plans are not sufficiently integrated with the town centre or adjacent railway station and traffic generated would severely harm the town.

Angus Horner, the managing director of Prorsus, said: “We welcome the fact that the council supports redevelopment of this site as a priority and recognises the heritage benefits of our scheme.

“It is disappointing that we still disagree about many other issues.

“The Innox Riverside team will be properly digesting the council's Statement of Case in the coming days and also continuing to prepare our own evidence.”

Mr Horner said looked likely any appeal would not be heard before January, but he was keen for it to be sooner.

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “As we are now in the formal appeal process, we cannot comment on enquiries regarding the case. We are submitting more information as and when required by the inspector.”