The Trust for Devizes has given a conditional welcome to plans to redevelop the former family clinic buildings in New Park Street.

Oastlodge Limited has applied for planning permission to demolish the unsightly single-storey buildings set back from the road and build a mixed development of shops and flats that would run flush with the other properties in the street.

The plans involve retail floor space on the ground floor and seven two-bedroom flats on the upper floors.

Behind the development would be 22 parking spaces, two for each flat, and sufficient space for delivery vehicles to manoeuvre.

The design of the proposed block is intended to fit in with the architecture in the rest of the street, say the developers.

Ted East, chairman of the Trust for Devizes, said: “The development of this site for retail purposes, rather than yet another retirement barracks, is appropriate and welcome.

“The removal of the ugly clinic buildings will greatly improve the street scene, but I hope the uninspiring architectural design of the shop frontage can be improved.

“Modern design is fine, but it could be better, for example as in Snuff Street.

“The addition of some private accommodation to the development is much preferred to building on green fields or gardens and the off-street parking is important.

“If it is relatively low-cost and affordable, that is even better for this community.”