An update has been given on the future of a derelict Chippenham house that was torched in an arson attack.

The former family home on Rowden Hill has been abandoned for over a decade, since it was set ablaze by a former owner.

The house was completely gutted by the fire, which caused almost £100,000 worth of damage, and now consists of just exterior walls, with no roof or internal floors remaining.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

A planning application has been submitted to the council, by developers Calibre Homes, to demolish the property and build three new four-bedroom homes on the site.

But the January 25 deadline for a decision was missed, leaving question marks over the house’s future.

Wiltshire Council have now told this paper the delay is due to planning officers needing to work through the responses they received during the consultation stage of the application.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

This process is ongoing and the council has not set a new date for a decision.

The application received some criticism from respondents during consultation.

The council did not oppose the plans but was concerned about the “design quality of the dwellings”.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

The Highways Department requested further plans over several issues, including the lack of a construction management statement.

Residents also noted their concern about the safety of creating a crossroads junction with Erleigh Drive.