Flats for motor bike shop finally agreed

12:46pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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A plan to redevelop a motorbike shop and build flats on one of Calne's busiest roads has finally been approved after almost 20 years of failed attempts by developers.

The proposal to replace the showroom on Wood Street with two two-storey blocks of flats was approved by North Wiltshire District Council last Wednesday after three previous applications had failed.

Owner John Taylor has been trying to get permission to demolish the building and erect flats since 1989.

The plan, which includes ten car parking spaces and small courtyard, has been opposed by some neighbours.

John Whitten, the agent working on behalf of Mr Taylor, put the case to the council's development control committee meeting.

He said: "This building has been a workshop since the 1960s and is seriously outdated.

"It needs to be demolished because it simply cannot continue to be used as a retail property. We have taken on board everything the council has said before and want to improve this site."

Councillors unanimously approved the plans, but imposed a set of 20 stringent conditions.

These included a financial contribution of £27,800 towards public open space provision, a new bus shelter and raised kerb outside the development and no gates in front of the car parking area.

After the meeting, Tim Stone, who lives nearby, said he felt let down by the committee's decision.

"This road is an absolute nightmare as it is the main vein running through the town," he said.

"It is already jam packed with cars, double-decker buses and lorries.

"If we then add construction vehicles into the mix it will be unbearable."

Mr Whitten said although councillors had given planning permission, his client would be keeping the shop open until he found a buyer.

He said: "Mr Taylor is not planning to develop the property himself. He has to find a buyer, and in this current market that could not be for some time."

Mr Taylor, whose brother owned a Chippenham bike shop with the same name, told his customers in March last year his shop would remain open.

The Chippenham branch on Station Hill closed in March last year.