Phelps Parade development plans approved

1:05pm Thursday 21st February 2008

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Calne's Phelps Parade revamp is one step closer to completion after district councillors gave the go-ahead to plans for its development last night.

Westlea Housing wants to demolish existing shops to make way for new retail units and flats.

North Wiltshire District Council's Development Control Committee met with up to 10 residents and traders at a meeting on last night to consider the plans.

Gary Stevens, who runs G&S Jewellers, voiced his support for the proposed development, dubbing it a 'new era' for the town, but said he was concerned about access to businesses in the Pippin during the development.

A spokesman for North Wiltshire District Council said they planned to create a temporary walkway through the Zion Chapel.

District Councillor Ross Henning, who has recently moved to Calne, said: "I have made no secret of my support for this project. Calne has come a long way in recent years."

Councillor Anne Henshaw criticised Westlea for what she called an insufficient public consulation after forms were printed without a return address.

But a spokesman for Westlea said there was a high level of public consultation with up to 1,000 people viewing the plans for the development in Bank House.