A CONTROVERSIAL planning proposal to build a modern glass-fronted extension in place of the old library outside a historic listed building has divided opinion in Corsham.

The plans, by architects DKA, propose demolishing the old library building at the front of Corsham's Mansion House and building a two-storey extension in its place but the plans have sparked a furore among residents, who want to see the extension repositioned or removed from the plans altogether.

John Maloney, the editor of Corsham Civic Society's newsletter Spotlight, said: "Regeneration is to be welcomed. English Heritage has always stressed any listed building that is brought back into use would be welcomed and this is the case with Mansion House, but the proposals have to be right.

"The old library really is an imposition on Mansion House in terms of height, overall mass and position, so to come up with a proposal to replace that building is very peculiar. They had a really good opportunity to remove a blight."

The Grade II listed house, which has a chequered history, was first put up for sale by Wiltshire Council more than five years ago, before it reconsidered and decided to turn it into a digital hub with Digital Corsham, following a £2.5m grant from the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

"Everyone I have spoken to welcomes the fact it is being put to good use but there is an unease and an annoyance that the present proposals have only looked at one possible option for the extension. It is a bit of a vanity project for the architects," Mr Maloney said.

Bill Hall, who owns and runs the town's Martingate shopping centre with his son Andrew, tried to buy the Mansion House more than two years ago. He feels the plans should be focusing on the Georgian house, rather than a modern extension. He said: "I think it is absolutely crackers of them to build this new building. There is no established need for it nor is there a demand. They should keep their money in the piggy bank and focus on the house.

"It is all a bit silly really and all I want them to do, and I am sure the people or Corsham do too, is to just get on with it."

A Wiltshire Council spokesman said: “Comments received will be considered when the applications are determined.” “Planning applications to transform Corsham’s Mansion House into a digital innovation and business incubation hub were submitted in November."