THE new owners of a key 48-acre site in Chippenham have briefed town councillors on their intentions for the land.

Representatives from MAS Real Estate outlined development proposals that centred on building a business park, housing, retail provision and a hotel at Langley Park Way.

The investors, who bought the site from previous owners Ashtenne in December last year at a cost of £32million, hope to open a public consultation later this year before submitting a planning application next year.

A spokesman for MAS said: “At this stage we are simply seeking to understand the town better, our occupiers' long terms requirements, whilst working up details of potential development in the areas surplus to requirements.

“Before any planning application, which may be later this year, more likely early 2016, there will be public consultation looking for design feedback, this will be advertised locally and posted on a project website.

“It is MAS REI’s intention that the business park and the residential elements are clearly separated and it is only by doing this, that we can alter the image of Langley Park and reposition it within the market place as a first class business/technology park.”

Outline planning permission had already been granted at the site for a supermarket and cinema but the new owner said: "MAS REI does not intend to implement that scheme primarily seeking a more residential led scheme but this is in its early stages."

The investor is keen to keep the long-term tenants such as Siemens and IXYS, but will sell off 19 acres of mostly vacant space on the Hathaway side for mixed-use development.

Coun Peter Hutton, chairman of the town council planning committee, said: “It’s the very early stages of this development and as we had done a lot of work with the previous owners that’s really why we’ve welcomed the meeting and chance to have a say.

“Langley Park has already been confirmed as a strategic site and the most important thing is to get the site back on its feet for the sake of Chippenham.

“But to tie it down to any particular development at this stage is always dangerous but we do want to see something on the site as soon as possible.

“Absolutely it’s a step in the right direction and the main thing is there is a willingness from them to engage and hear what the town council and public have to say.”