PLANS to regenerate Corsham Mansion House into a digital innovation and business incubation hub took a step forward this week despite objections during the planning process.

The proposals for the empty Grade II listed house, which have been put together by architects DKA and include the demolition of the old library building and the construction of a two-storey glass fronted extension, were approved by Wiltshire Council at the strategic planning meeting on Wednesday. The listed building consent was referred to the Secretary of State with a recommendation for approval.

"This is a major step forward in transforming this empty building into a vibrant digital hub which will create jobs and opportunities for the local area," Chuck Berry, cabinet member for economic development, said.

"We have a successful track record of developing similar schemes having converted four buildings across Wiltshire into Enterprise Network Centres and supported the creation of a number of others with the private sector. I’m looking forward to seeing this exciting innovation create a major boost for Wiltshire’s digital economy.”

The project, which has been in the pipeline for the last two years, will benefit from a cash injection from the Government's Growth Fund and the Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership if it is given the green light.

SWLEP director Paddy Bradley said: “The SWLEP vision is all about driving economic growth in the area through innovation and I’m pleased this SWLEP-funded project is progressing and will help generate opportunities for business growth and collaboration in Corsham to build on the town’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence for digital communications and technology.”

Architects DKA hope that their proposals will bring the grand house back into sustainable use, provide meeting and seminar rooms for the community and spaces for businesses to work and flourish.

Andrew Hall of the Martingate Centre, who attempted to buy the site with his father Bill two years ago, said: "I am very much of the position that the council wanted to do this themselves and that is completely fine. We look forward to seeing it."