Members of Chippenham Town Council's planning committee have welcomed news that plans to redevelop Langley Park have been given the go-ahead by Wiltshire Council.

There have been several attempts to gain permission to redevelop this derelict site over the years but each time the planning application submitted has been rejected, they noted.

The granting of outline planning permission comes after consultation with the local community and working with the Local Planning Authority, resulting in several amendments to the plans.

Detailed plans will now be drawn up and it may take 12 – 18 months before a full application is submitted for approval.

Coun Linda Packard, chairman of the planning committee, said: “The site will create hundreds of jobs and based on the plans we have currently seen will include new retail units, a supermarket, hotel and leisure facility (possibly a cinema).

"Also included are plans to contribute £100,000 towards a lift on the northern side of the railway footbridge. We welcome the development and the help it will give to rejuvenate the town and we look forward to reviewing the full plans in a year’s time.”