PLANS to develop new facilities at Malmesbury Hospital are a step closer following more information from North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.

Planning officers have recommended permission be granted subject to particular requirements.

They insist extra care home places are restricted to people over 55 and disabled individuals.

A requirement for a travel plan must be also submitted and highway improvements should include a pedestrian crossing on Burton Hill and bus shelters.

The PCT wants to build a new home for the Gable House Surgery, a 60-bed private care home, sheltered housing and a new outpatients' department.

District councillors deferred the planning application last month amid concerns over the precise make up of the facilities.

Opponents of the scheme say the development will encroach on a green-field site outside the town's development boundary.

District and County Councillor John Thompson says many of their questions have now been answered.