St Ivel site plans take step forward

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

But the panel does not have any decision-making powers and can only pass on 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, because it is expecting such a high public turn-out with the St Ivel site plans up for discussion, it may hold a meeting at an earlier date dedicated to planning talks.

Among the recommendations the panel has made to the executive committee are plans for a housing development and a request for ownership of Station House office buildings to be transferred to the town council.

It also features the idea of turning the former Beaufort Brewery a Grade II-listed building into an arts centre with craft workshops.

But the panel has recommended that the arts centre should 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."

Councillors fear the maintenance costs for the building could run into millions of pounds.

North Wiltshire District Council will inform the public of the time and date of the meeting at which the plans will be discussed.