An independent supermarket in Trowbridge will have to remove its canopy after the owner lost an appeal process with Wiltshire Council.

Tymbark Supermarket on Wicker Hill was refused planning permission in 2022 after a retrospective application requested permission to leave up a canopy area, which had been erected to display fruit and vegetables.

Another application was subsequently submitted, proposing artwork by a local artist on the shutters, to create a more “visually attractive” frontage that would allow the business to keep the canopy.  

The application stated: “The Tymbark Supermarket plays an important social and economic role within this part of Trowbridge and provides both employment and a range of goods not generally found in the town.”

It added: “Through having the outdoor space which is covered by the canopy, the shop can expand the range of goods that it sells as well as introducing a vibrant frontage to what is otherwise a fairly unattractive utilitarian shopfront.”

The applicant argued that the artwork, which would depict historical areas of Trowbridge, would add visual interest to an “unremarkable corner of the conservation area.”

Trowbridge Town Council did not object to the plans but Wiltshire Council refused the application for a second time.

The case officer report concluded: “The unauthorised development is still considered unacceptable in terms of the consequential harm it has to the character and appearance of the conservation area and setting of nearby listed buildings.

“The harm is not outweighed by any public benefits and is contrary to national and local planning policies.”

The applicant appealed against this decision.

Their statement noted: “The uninspiring shopfront is improved through having a vibrant display during the day and what would be interesting street art by night.”

Councillor Stewart Palmen commented: “‘All the residents of the Central Trowbridge Ward whom I have talked to on the subject (directly and via social media) are in favour of this planning application.”

He added: “We need to encourage local traders in the area to remain profitable keeping life within our towns and if this modification helps improve the viability of the business then that is good for Trowbridge.”

Despite this, the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal.

Regarding the proposal of artwork, the inspector stated: “I am concerned that its appearance would become degraded and tatty over time.

“This would be caused by the regular opening and closing of the shutters, as well as from weathering, aging and vandalism, and would cause further visual harm.

“In any case, the artwork would not change the fundamentally utilitarian shape and design of the structure.

“The artwork would not therefore overcome the harm that would be caused by the retention of the structure.”

The inspector acknowledged that the additional space in the canopy has “economic benefits to the business and its employees in providing additional space to sell goods to a diverse population.”

However, they stated that the benefits did not outweigh “the less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area , or the settings of the Town Bridge and the Former Lock Up.”

Councillors were informed of the decision at the Western Area Planning Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 13.

Referring to the artwork, Development Management Area Team Leader, Kenny Green, said: “They would become tatty over time, they wouldn’t be something that would be maintained forever, and therefore, you couldn’t give full weight to that as a mitigation measure, and the Inspectorate agreed.”