MARLBOROUGH: Plans to convert the former St Peters Junior School building in The Parade into a 23 bedroom hotel and to build seven new homes in the grounds have been submitted to Wiltshire Council.
An eighth home would be created by the conversion and extension of an outbuilding. A report to the council on behalf of Sherbourne Developments says: “The school site was vacated in late 2017 following the construction of a new primary school in the area.
“At this time, the school site was owned by Wiltshire Council and prior to any marketing, the Council sought to establish any service or operational demand for the site.”
The report says that the new housing is necessary to ensure the delivery of the scheme and the plan would also make effective use of a brownfield site.
It also says the hotel plan would provide jobs and boost tourism and the local economy and make a small contribution towards much needed housing in a town centre location.
A heritage plan has also been drawn up.
LACOCK: Plans to repair a historic turret at Grade I listed Lacock Abbey have been submitted to Wiltshire Council. A spokesman for the National Trust said: “The work location is at roof level, directly beneath the south octagonal turret located on the west facing elevation of the Abbey which contains the main front door into the great hall.
“All of the work is within the roof void over the dining room. The work is to oak ‘dragon beams’ which span the angle between the front elevation and the load bearing wall dividing great hall and dining rooms.
“These dragon beams historically provided support to the South turret. However they have now decayed beyond repair and we propose to remove these dragon beams, and install alternative means of support.
The abbey was founded by Ela, widow of William Longespee, in 1229. She retired to Lacock in 1238 and became the first abbess and died in 1261.
CHIPPENHAM: Ivy Lane primary school, Ivy Lane, has been given retrospective planning put up temporary accommodation while new classrooms are built at the school. The school is situated in a conservation area. Chippenham Town Council has made no objection to the project.
BOX: Plans to build 20 new homes at the Timber Yard in Box which is part of the Real World Studio site have met opposition from some people living nearby. There is also a proposals to provide new offices and a cafe. But objections have been made by people living nearby including David Babb.
He wrote to object to the scheme saying: “The site is in the Green Belt. The type of development proposed does not fit well with the underlying rationale for such areas. To allow it would set an unfortunate precedent.
“In my opinion, the proposed development does nothing to conserve the landscape or to enhance it.
“I also note that the proposed development falls outside the existing and proposed Box settlement boundary although it is previously developed land. A major concern is the access to the development along The Wharf.
“An additional 40 plus cars using the road that is quite narrow would put pedestrians, particularly children, at risk.”
DILTON MARSH: Farmland at 4 Vicarage Gardens, Dilton Marsh could become part of a garden with a shed and climbing frame if change of use is allowed by Wiltshire Council.
CALNE: Developer Robert Hitchins wants to build 31 entry level homes on land south of Low Lane. It has applied to Wiltshire Council for outline planning permission for the plan which also includes open space, landscaping and a new road entrance from Low Lane.
ALDBOURNE: An elevated timber viewing platform could be kept at 22 Oxford Street if permission is given by Wiltshire Council. The platform has already been put up and the applicant wants retrospective planning permission.
HORTON: Plans to replace an existing outbuilding at Townsend House with a replacement have been submitted to Wiltshire Council.
BOX: Tim Barton wants to use an agricultural barn at Manor Farm, Wadswick into offices with parking and landscaping.
BROAD TOWN: Stables could be turned into tourist accommodation at The Fields, Broad Town Road if the go ahead is given by Wiltshire Council.
CHIPPENHAM: A bungalow is set to be knocked down and replaced with a new home with a garage, raised patios and paths at 24A Hardenhuish Lane.
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