GAZETTE & HERALD: AT Calne Town Council's development control committee meeting on Tuesday night councillors voted to support the Lansdowne Strand Hotel's application to develop two outbuildings.

Management of the Grade II*-listed hotel have applied to convert one building into three maisonettes and another building into two residential flats and a gym.

Councillors believe the outbuildings need developing before falling into disrepair.

A statement from developers said the outbuildings of the 16th century hotel had been "unused for many years and are now in need of renovation to prevent further deterioration".

The statement also said there would be "minimal alterations to the external appearance of the buildings".

The chairman of Calne Town Council's development control committee, Coun Tom Briggs, said he felt the reuse of the old buildings would be a good idea.

"I think that most of the townsfolk would like to see the derelict outbuildings being reused," he said.

"The only issue could be car parking. There's car parking opposite the town hall and that's currently free but that's something for the highways people."

Councillors suggested a note be submitted to the district council that more detail should be given on whether the flats and gym would be for public or hotel use.

A spokesperson for the hotel said: "At present we are unable to expand upon the contents of the application. However, if they do come to fruition, the plans would not only improve presently under-utilised facilities on the site but they would also benefit the residents of Calne, a constant goal of managing director Tony Calleya."

The hotel has seen many positive changes under Mr Calleya's ten years and is now found in the UK Hotel Guide and the Discover Britain with Getaway Breaks guide of 2004, added the spokesman.