Anger over town redevelopment

9:16am Thursday 22nd November 2007

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Tempers flared and one woman was reduced to tears at a meeting to discuss Calne's multi-million town centre development project.

More than 50 people attended the meeting to see a presentation on the proposals, which would see Woolworths and 16 new flats being built in the town centre.

Public consultation began on the £3 million project, funded by Westlea Housing Association and North Wiltshire District Council, on Monday.

People of Calne got the chance to question district councillors, Westlea Housing Association and developers, about the plans.

Residents were shocked at proposals for ten parking spaces for the 16 flats.

Coun John Ireland said: "You're talking about 32 people so there is likely to be 32 cars. Ten spaces are not enough."

Principal regeneration officer Jack Konynenburg responded by saying it was highly unlikely there would be 32 cars and originally the planning authority did not want to provide any parking.

Westlea and the district council plan to demolish five Westlea flats to make way for the development.

One man, who owns the flat next to the planned development site, said: "I need to know what will happen to my home.

"When the demolition starts it will be like living in a battle zone."

Westlea development representative Monique Talbert said Westlea would remain in consultation with residents near the site.

Nicki Stowell, who owns three businesses in Calne, feared businesses out of the town centre would suffer.

She said: "My businesses are completely shut off. My restaurant has been open for a year and people still don't know it's there.

"This is my life. We have never been consulted about these plans.

"This is the first we have heard of them."

Ms Stowell, who stormed out of the meeting, said: "These people don't live in Calne, they don't know what Calne people want. I haven't spoken to anyone who wants a Woolworths."

Former councillor Ellie Bland, who owns a shop below Westlea flats on Beech Terrace, said: "I applaud any regeneration of Calne. But I want you to be aware of the problems created by phase two in Beech Terrace."