A betting shop owner who has secured planning permission to open a store in Melksham has said he will be creating new jobs.

Andrew Croft, of Backhouse Bet, had resubmitted plans for the shop in the former Aqualeisure premises in Market Place, after they were initially refused by West Wiltshire District Council last year. The revised plans to change the use of the store were voted through at a meeting on Thursday night.

Mr Croft, who also owns shops in Warminster and Bradford on Avon, said he had received letters of support from people in Melksham.

He said: “We did receive letters supporting the plans and I am sure the people who like a bet in Melksham will appreciate us opening.

“We have had applications for jobs from local people. A betting shop doesn't require a huge amount of staff but we will be hiring people.”

Mr Croft, who wouldn’t confirm exactly how many jobs would be created, said he was pleased the empty building would be utilised and that although the recession was in full swing, he now has the chance to expand into Melksham, where there is only one other betting shop.

“It’s about giving people choice and there was an opening for a betting shop in Melksham,” he said “We are trying to be a local company that supports local communities.”

Mr Croft worked closely with the council’s planning department and heritage development officer so the plans would not be refused a second time.

The council’s planning committee granted approval on the grounds the fascia boards on the front and side of the building would be ‘heritage green’ to fit-in with the listed store which has lain empty since Aqualeisure closed in September 2007.

There were concerns raised about a betting shop taking over a prime retail site and Melksham town councillor Mark Griffiths ‘called in’ the plans as he said he felt the decision should be made by the planning committee rather than planning officers using delegated powers.