The first round of plans by developers Innox Mills to renovated derelict houses near the former Bowyers site in Trowbridge town centre.

The proposals will see the developers repair and refurbish the currently derelict 7 to 9 Stallard Street, which were badly damaged earlier this year when a fire broke out and required fire crews from five towns to battle the blaze.

The works would also see the existing extensions demolished and replaced with single-storey extensions at the rear of the houses.

Cllr Chris Beaver, who is the planning agent on the bid added that the buildings had seen a 'persistent problem with vandalism and rough sleeping'.

Originally, the intent was for the works to be carried out as part of the overall development but because of the delay in the scheme the owners want to make the Stallard Street houses habitable 'for renting in the short term' ahead of the site's wider regeneration.

Cllr Diana King said that the stairs, access and boundary wall were in an 'appalling condition' and asked if those would be repaired along with the other works.

Cllr Beaver replied that the wall that will be subject to the wider regeneration scheme and what these will be subject to the wider Innox Mills project.

The issue of access for the residents was then questioned by Cllr King, which Cllr Beaver explained would be at the rear.

"The boarding will be removed and set further back to allow for an interim use. There is another plan to show how it will link back into the existing access at Bowyers," Cllr Beaver said.

"The access will come out on the right hand side that's down towards the town bridge."

Leader of the town council, Cllr Stewart Palmen said: "They'll have parking spaces at the rear of the houses, which is good because it's town centre development and they don't have to do that.

"I spent some time this afternoon looking at the plans in detail and to be honest, I'm quite excited by them.

"I think this is excellent. I'm very pleased about these designs and I'll move on that."

The motion was passed by the town development committee unanimously.