PLANS for the future of the former St Ivel site in Wootton Bassett are one step closer to being finalised.

At a North Wiltshire District Council meeting, councillors backed the idea to build houses on the site and also turn the former Beaufort Brewery into an arts centre.

But the panel does not have any decision-making powers and can only pass on its recommendations to the executive committee, which will meet in late April.

Coun Doreen Darby, lead member for planning, said: "As far as the St Ivel site is concerned, there has been a tremendous amount of negotiation between local residents and the council.

"We have had several public meetings and the public spaces and local plans panel has now supported the brief for development.

"The decision does not lie with us though. It will go to the executive committee. If they approve it, then a detailed planning application can be entered. No planning application can be entered until then."

The executive committee is due to meet on April 29 to discuss a number of issues.

But it is are expecting such a high public turnout with the St Ivel site plans up for discussion, it may hold a meeting dedicated to planning talks at an earlier date.

The brief which the planning panel has recommended to the executive committee includes plans for a housing development and ownership of Station House office buildings to be transferred to the town council.

It takes up proposals for turning the Grade II-listed former Beaufort Brewery complex into an arts centre with a bistro and space for craft workshops, championed by the Arts Centre Group made up of local residents.

But the planning panel has recommended to the executive committee that the arts centre must be able to run independently of the council.

Coun Darby said: "We backed the idea of turning the brewery building into an arts complex with the caveat that the town council does not take over the building if the project is unsuccessful."