GAZETTE & HERALD: LONG-awaited plans to convert the derelict Derriads Barn in Chippenham into a viable community facility moved one step closer to becoming a reality this week.
The Grade II Listed barn, part of the former Derriads Farm, was set aside for community use when the Cepen Park South estate was built.
But dreams of a grand transformation came to a halt when a bid for £600,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund was rejected in May 2000.
On Monday, members of North Wiltshire District Council's Chippenham Area Committee asked for an in-depth report to be sent to the executive, in the hope of getting the plans moving again.
A second bid has now been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund for around 65 per cent of the £1 million cost of the project.
Coun Tim Northey said: "It is a tragedy this development was allowed without any community facilities. We need to try to help this happen for this area it's long overdue." He said that rather than converting the old barn, the land could be used to build a purpose-built facility for the community.
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