Former Burton store in Chippenham nearing redevelopment

The former Burton store is a prominent feature of Chippenham Market Place but has remained empty for years after the chain closed its branch.

Building owner Riverstreet Developments had obtained planning permission to convert the majority of the ground floor and all of the first floor, previously occupied by Burton, into flats.

But earlier this year the landlord revealed it was in contact with a national operator that planned to occupy the ground floor as a commercial space.

READ MORE: Work takes place at long-empty store as national chain makes offer

The former Burton store in Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

Riverstreet Developments said it intended to lease out this space as a commercial unit and applied for permission to add dwellings to the second floor instead, via a mansard roof extension.

But this application was subsequently withdrawn, and construction has been ongoing at the building since the start of the year.

In the latest planning application submitted to Wiltshire Council, it was revealed this work has implemented the approved plans to add seven residential units across the bottom two floors

The final phase is underway, and the development is expected to be completed shortly.

A small retail space, measuring 39.7sq metres, will be retained at the front entrance.

But the loss of the rest of the commercial space disappointed town councillor Matthew Short.

Speaking in a planning committee meeting, he said: “It’s a beautiful old building and we all want to say it brought back to life with both retail and accommodation above.

“I don’t think any of us object to the principal of that… I’m very disappointed the retail has gone back to such a small area.

“It’s really hard to see what retail units would want to go in there, it would have to be something like mobile phones… it limits its use a bit.”

The latest scheme under consultation is for an additional storey with four extra flats.

The former Burton store in Chippenham (Image: Newsquest)

While the town council is supportive of residential development, it resolved to object over concerns about the “failure” to enhance the building’s facade.

RAW Planning Ltd, acting on behalf of the applicant, said the scheme was a “rare opportunity” and urged Wiltshire Council to approve it.

In the design and access statement, a spokesperson said: “The introduction of four residential units at a town centre brownfield site is a rare opportunity, would enable a contribution to the housing land supply and make efficient use of a town centre location.

“The plans are considered to benefit the Chippenham Conservation Area… and promote a sustainable future for one of Chippenham’s iconic local heritage assets.”