NEW plans for changes to a Trowbridge shopping centre will be discussed by councillors.

The scheme for Stone Mills, in Court Street, which is already occupied by shops and businesses, will be discussed by West Wiltshire District Council's central area committee on Thursday.

Plans submitted by Trowbridge businessman Tom Rothschild include a change of use to form a retail and office complex with a restaurant/bar, tea shop, footbridge and glass canopy links.

The basement area is already used as a market hall, with shops and offices on the ground and first floors. The roof space has been converted into offices.

Plans for the building were first submitted in 1989 with further applications put forward in 1992, 1999 and 2001.

Councillors found it difficult to approve the later schemes because of concerns about the pub element of the scheme and changes made without permission to the listed building.

Building control officers from the council say the plans before councillors next week are the same as those approved for regulation purposes on January 31 last year, but include lifts into the building.

A nearby resident has written to the council objecting to the inclusion of licensed premises.

He said young drinkers move rowdily from pubs, clubs and fast food takeaways and he is worried about the peace and security of people in the area.

The Shires shopping centre has objected because RH Tomlinson Ltd, Mr Rothschild's business, does not have permission to connect a canopy to its building.

Planning officers have recommended the plans are approved this time with conditions to meet the concerns of objectors.

A report to councillors says: "The council has in the past effectively permitted a pub use in part of the building as neither of the previous permissions were subject to a condition that limits the use to restaurant purposes only."