Development of the former Bowyers factory site in Trowbridge has come one step closer, with planning officers recommending that Wiltshire Council approves the latest proposals.

The revised scheme, submitted by developer Prorsus, includes a gym, a Morrisons supermarket, a petrol station, two non-food shops, a pub, two restaurants and two cafes.

It will now be discussed and voted on by councillors at the Western Area Planning Committee meeting at County Hall, Trowbridge, at 6pm on Wednesday.

The application follows the council’s decision to reject a similar scheme last year. That plan included a cinema, rather than a gym, and had no petrol station.

Trowbridge Town Council and Wiltshire councillor Graham Payne said: “I welcome the decision from the officers and encourage my colleagues to reflect on it and give Trowbridge a great economic boost.”

As part of the ‘reserve’ plan, Prorsus has agreed to delay its appeal over the rejection of its first proposals.

Trowbridge Town and Wiltshire councillor Jeff Osborn said: “This is good news that the officers are being positive and I sincerely hope that the developers can work constru- ctively with the council to ensure a lasting, worthwhile addition to the commercial and leisure life of the growing town.”

The scheme, known as Innox Riverside, has won the support of many residents, with a Facebook page and a protest march after the rejected of the initial proposal.

Prorsus managing director Angus Horner said: “The development team would like to thank all those local people who have taken an interest.”

Details of the plans are at www.innoxriverside.com.