Wiltshire Council has approved major redevelopment plans for the former Bowyer’s factory in Trowbridge.

It is hoped the plans will regenerate the area and deliver significant benefits to the town, economically, environmentally and socially.

Developer Innox Mills Ltd’s hybrid planning bid was first submitted to the council in April 2021 and received a mixed response.

The plans that have been approved account for 255 dwellings, a convenience store, and up to 872 sqm of new commercial floor space.

The site is adjacent to Trowbridge railway station and has been derelict since 2008, when the Bowyer’s factory closed down.

Wiltshire Times: The derelict buildings can be seen when arriving in Trowbridge station.The derelict buildings can be seen when arriving in Trowbridge station. (Image: Jessica Moriarty)

According to the proposal, the development would provide a new cultural quarter made up of micro businesses, food and drink, art and independent retail. 

A riverside park is also to be formed alongside the river Biss that would contain public open space, play space, drainage attenuation, landscape and ecological buffers.

The full and outline applications were considered at the Strategic Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, November 29.

Wiltshire Times: The illustrative masterplan seeks to demonstrate how the scheme could fit on the site in an acceptable and policy compliant manner.The illustrative masterplan seeks to demonstrate how the scheme could fit on the site in an acceptable and policy compliant manner. (Image: Keep Architecture)

Councillor Stewart Palmen, the leader of Trowbridge Town Council, said: “I’m really so pleased this has finally come to committee but, I’ll be honest, I’m really disappointed it has taken two years and three months to get here.”

In a statement following the meeting, he added: “I believe this is a key milestone in the redevelopment of Trowbridge as the County Town of Wiltshire.

“The plans will help alleviate the housing crisis without destroying green fields and provide new life for the old mill buildings.

“People arriving in Trowbridge will finally not be greeted with a derelict site but instead see a site more reflective of the town’s renewed optimism!”

Councillor Christopher Newbury questioned the modern design of the buildings, and it was acknowledged that residents had concerns regarding the potential increase of traffic and congestion.

Wiltshire Times: According to the proposal, housing would be delivered predominantly in terrace form with the western side by the railway line being more traditional and reflecting the character of Bradford and Innox Road.According to the proposal, housing would be delivered predominantly in terrace form with the western side by the railway line being more traditional and reflecting the character of Bradford and Innox Road. (Image: Keep Architecture)

Councillor Nick Botterill, cabinet member for finance, development management and strategic planning, said: “Of all our towns in Wiltshire, Trowbridge town centre is one in most need of regenerating.

"Innox Mills is a difficult brownfield site that has festered for decades.

"What is proposed is more imaginative and creative and demonstrates commitment and belief in Trowbridge.

"It combines preservation, sensitive refurbishment of heritage assets, new homes and new amenities.

"What is trying to be achieved here aligns with the council’s aims of having vibrant, well-connected communities.”

The benefits of the plans were considered to outweigh the negatives, and the councillors voted to approve them. 

Jonathan Dean from Innox Mills Ltd said: “We are over the moon with today’s decision, it marks a massive step forward for Trowbridge towards the end of a site that has been an eyesore and millstone for the town for the last 14 years.

“We’d like to thank Stuart Palmen, Trowbridge Town Council, Nick Botterill, Wiltshire Council and all those who have been involved in the process, for all they’ve done to help bring this forward.

“There remains lots to do but you should start to see movement very soon with the announcement of our development partner and affordable housing provider in the next few weeks.

"The opening of the ‘Bowyer’s Studios’ on Stallard Street in January, which will become a home for artists, artisans and creative entrepreneurs will also see the opening of the footpath across the site to from the train station towards Wicker Hill.

"This path way will also be utilised by Wiltshire College art students who will be exampling their talents on the hoarding.

“We will provide further details once this news has settled in. Thank you, Trowbridge!”