A NEW way forward for the development of Kingston Mill in Bradford on Avon could be in the pipeline if residents and interested parties give it their backing.

Bradford Town Council has agreed to support a proposal from the Bradford on Avon Development Trust bringing together town groups, councillors, and representatives from site developer Taylor Woodrow to get an official consensus on the future of Kingston Mill.

The proposal is designed to restore trust between the Bradford community and Taylor Woodrow and to help find a solution to problems that have held up redevelopment of the site for the past four years. The Development Trust is keeping details of the proposal confidential while other key stakeholders are encouraged to get on board.

It is thought to involve a brainstorming session for key stakeholders, over several days, so ideas and solutions for the next planning application can be laid out.

Bradford town councillors agreed to investigate further but backed the idea in principal at a meeting on Tuesday.

Mayor Vicky Landell Mills said: "The town has had a very hard time with the Kingston Mill project and the prospect of another set of plans that get withdrawn would put us in a difficult situation.

"The Development Trust's idea does seem a way of giving this a consensual approach."

Taylor Woodrow bought the site five years ago and withdrew its third set of plans for the former Avon Rubber factory in July but had promised a new set of plans would be ready soon.

Cllr Fran Lewis said: "This is an exciting and innovative concept and terrific opportunity to stop the piecemeal approach there had been to redeveloping the place so far."

Taylor Woodrow had already decided to take a fresh look at the whole site and have hired a new architect to take it forward.

Edward Nash, from Bath, will work on an entire rethink for the site.

He met town councillors this month and suggested consultation with town groups in the future.

An announcement on whether the Development Trust's proposal will go ahead is expected next week.