The Bear Hotel transformation plans in Chippenham debated

The owners of The Bear Hotel, a prominent Grade II listed building that has stood in Chippenham Market Place since the 18th century, submitted the planning application to Wiltshire Council in November.

If approved, this would see the upper floors of the hotel, which closed several years ago, converted into apartments.

A flat-roofed office space would also be built, and town councillors voted to voice their support for the proposal on the basis it would “upgrade and do something positive” with the historic building.

But the design for the office extension has caused some debate.

A report by Chippenham Town Council’s head of planning, Andy Conroy, noted the change of use was supported but raised concerns over the visual impact of the proposed addition.

The proposed office extension (Image: Armstrong Architecture)

At a planning committee meeting, he said: “I think the structure does appear quite heavy and dominant.

“The glazed roof structure in particular would appear as a rather dominant feature in the roofscape of the conservation area.

“The proposed CGI demonstrates that the proposed first-floor extension would obscure views of the roofscape of the listed Market Place buildings, which provide a positive foreground setting for the church.

“The current design approach at first and second-floor level would harm the significance of important views within the conservation area.”

These concerns were echoed by Cllr William Douglas, who originally objected to the scheme.

He added: “I don’t think this application will get through the committee because it’s in a conservation area and the damage it will do to the town.”

“I think it’s a good idea that it comes into use again otherwise we could have a roof collapsing and a wreck in the centre of town.

“However, I take on board Andy’s report and reluctantly feel we should object.”

The Bear Hotel (Image: Fleurets)

Despite these fears, councillors voted not to object to the plans to bring the landmark back into use, but submitted the planning officer’s comments.

Cllr Nic Puntis said: “It’s rejuvenating a building that’s been there a long time and I actually really like it (the design).

“I accept what you’re saying but for me, the tilted balance is I think this would improve Chippenham and bring it into the 21st century whilst being absolutely sympathetic to the heritage of that original building.”

This argument was backed by several councillors.

La Taperia, a tapas bar on the ground floor, would be retained by the scheme.