Wiltshire Council has approved plans for nine new homes on an old industrial yard in Westbury, despite objections from neighbours and the town council.

The project will require some demolitions and refurbishments at the Lotz Abbott Works on Alfred Street.

The council’s planning officer found that, on balance, the benefits of reusing the site for housing were considered to “outweigh the disbenefits of the loss of commercial space”.

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Aerial view of the site.Aerial view of the site. (Image: Atelier 17) The applicant, Inova Developments Ltd, noted that the plans were made in “the context of the falling economic viability of the buildings in their current use and the require investment to substantially improve the buildings quality, an investment which cannot be undertaken without change of use”.

Wiltshire Council received objections from nearby residents but found the proposal to be a satisfactory use of the land.

It informed Inova Developments of its approval on Monday, November 18.

In other nearby planning news, the owners of Thoulstone Park had a planning application approved for a dog exercise area in a field adjacent to the existing Thoulstone Park Eco-Leisure site.

Access will be gained via the main entrance to the site from Black Dog Hill (A36) via Old Warminster Road.Access will be gained via the main entrance to the site from Black Dog Hill (A36) via Old Warminster Road. (Image: Trail Architects) According to the plans, the area will have a secure 1.9m high fence and will only be booked out by one person per session.

The planning statement read: “With access to safe, controlled outdoor spaces, dog owners can have peace of mind when training.

“Given the rural setting, sheep breeding seasons are usually a time where dog owners and the farming community have conflict.

“This secure space allows freedom for owners with dogs who could be seen as high risk and peace of mind to farmers and their livestock.

“Possible outcomes of the addition of such a facility would be a positive boost to the local economy, with the potential to create jobs and bring more visitors to the local area.

“Furthermore, this facility promotes healthier communities by giving people dedicated spaces to be outdoors and exercise, contributing to a better state of mental health and wellbeing.”

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Also this week, the community of a village near Trowbridge applied for permission for the installation of a new stone plaque to commemorate the King Charles III coronation.

Keevil residents believe the plaque, which would be located on a wall outside The Old Stables, would add to the heritage of the village.

The design for the new plaque.The design for the new plaque. (Image: Young Johnson Ltd) They have also requested for retrospective permission for two other plaques that are on the same wall.

The application reads: “The Queens Jubilee plaque is placed above a stone and wooden bench, which is incorporated within the boundary wall. The plaque commemorates the Queens Silver Jubilee and the Oak tree (Stocks Tree) that was planted on Stocks Green in 1978.

“The Royal Air Force Keevil Memorial plaque is placed in the wall opposite Stocks Green and commemorates those that departed from Royal Air Force Keevil during D Day and Arnhem in World War II.

“For twenty-six years, villagers have gathered at the plaque in September to honour the memory of those who flew from Keevil airfield as part of the D-Day and Arnhem operations.

“Each year, a wreath is laid at the plaque to commemorate those that never returned.”

It adds: “Both plaques have an important and historical place in the history of Keevil and are a vital part of the village heritage.”

Wiltshire Council is expected to give the community a response by mid-January.

The details of all planning applications submitted to the council are available to read on the planning and building control public register.