EIGHT new homes will be built in Alfred Street, Westbury, after the planning committee of West Wiltshire District Council approved the project.

The proposal will involve the demolition of a number of single-storey buildings in the Lotz Abbott Works and the partial rebuilding and conversion of the remaining structures to provide eight new residential homes.

Planning officers at West Wiltshire District Council had already recommended permission be granted for the work to go ahead on the listed building, which is within a conservation area.

Councillors approved the scheme at a meeting on Thursday night.

The decision was in spite of opposition from Westbury Town Council and the Highway Authority, who were both concerned about road safety and access.

The town council also objected to the loss of land for small industrial units without obvious alternative sites being available.

While no formal letters of comment or objection were received by West Wiltshire District Council from neighbours, the authority had discussions with residents living near the building.

A report from the planning officer to the council said the development would "preserve and enhance" the character and appearance of the conservation area.

The application was submitted by planning consultants LPC (Trull) Ltd.