DELAYS in a government decision over the development of the Ushers bottling plant have left plans in a state of limbo.

Officers working for the Government Office of the South West admit they are unable to process the long-awaited application within the standard 21-day time-scale.

Bosses at developers Foinavon and Mystique wanted a speedy decision to start work on the land between Union Street, Church Street and British Row, where they intend to build houses, shops and a restaurant.

Civic leaders in Trowbridge were keen for the application to be processed swiftly so a dilapidated area of the town centre can be transformed.

The plans were approved by West Wiltshire District Council last month and referred to the GoSW because of the development's size.

Former mayor Jeff Osborn said he was disappointed the plans had hit another stumbling block, adding: "I was hoping we would get to see some action.

"We are stuck in a state of limbo. The trouble is the longer things hang around they are more likely to be overtaken by other things like the Vision project."

A Foinavon spokesman said the company hoped a decision would be made within weeks not months.

"We are disappointed but this is not unusual.

"It is something we want to get cleared up but it would not be appropriate for us to start pressurising.

"If anyone were to put pressure on the Government it would have to be the council.

"It has been a long time coming and it has taken a long time to go through the correct process.

"We know there are people in Trowbridge who want things to move on."

A spokesman for West Wiltshire District Council said officers received a letter from the GoSW last week warning of the delay.

She said: "They will make a decision as soon as possible. It is a very big and important application and they are taking due care and attention. We have no idea how long it will take."

Foinavon's first application for the bottling plant site was turned down despite an application for the nearby brewery site going through.

Architects revamped the layout of the main buildings following criticism over the 'warehouse' design.

The developers are still hoping to start building by the end of the year.