DEVELOPERS wanting to transform the former Tesco site in Trowbridge have been told to go away and come back with a better scheme.

A project to demolish the former superstore in St Stephen's Place and build two stores and a restaurant were turned down by councillors on Thursday.

Architects acting for the owners said a big-name fashion retailer was ready to put pen to paper and sign-up to the project, creating more than 200 jobs.

John Evans, of London-based Chapman Taylor, told councillors the Tesco development would send a message to developers that Trowbridge was open for business.

Mr Evans described how the development would link up with a larger scheme, incorporating Castle Place precinct.

Officers said the development did not fit in with design principles in the Vision for Trowbridge framework, with plans for a car-park in front of the stores.

West Wiltshire District Council leader Tony Phillips said it would be a tragedy to lose the potential for a development.

"I hope an amicable arrangement can be worked out between the developer and our officers.

"I believe the redevelopment of this site, which is a prime site, may well trigger other developments," he said.

Cllr Bob Brice said he wanted design changes to the location of the car-park but hoped the scheme would kickstart the Vision.

"I was interested to hear of a possible larger development. This could be the start of the Vision for Trowbridge which hopefully is intended to move things on."

Cllr Trevor Carbin said the on-going Tesco application reminded him of another long-running development saga in the town.

"It reminds me a bit of the Ushers site, where we had a very bad application to begin with but they came back with a better one," he said.

Architects Chapman Taylor are also involved in the redevelopment of the Southgate Centre in Bath and the six-figure revamp of Bristol's Broadmead precinct.

Chief architect Mr Evans warned before the meeting that interested retailers could cool their enthusiasm for the site if plans were delayed again.

He blamed the stalling on civic leaders putting too much faith in the Vision framework.