PLANS for 16 new houses to be built near the historic spa houses in Melksham have been revealed.

The scheme to pull down Bassett House, in The Spa, and replace the property with 16 two-storey dwellings, were submitted last week.

The new houses will be built close to the historic spa houses, which were erected in the 19th century.

In 1813 several local business people, who made money from the woollen industry, formed the Melksham Spa Company, investing 7,000 guineas.

A 300ft-deep well was created and six, large semi-detached boarding houses and a hotel were built to exploit a natural spa found in 1770.

The Spa was intended to rival Bath but despite several years of prosperity, eventually declined.

The plans for the new houses and garages were submitted to West Wiltshire District Council last week.

Planning officer Pat Tidy said: "The proposal is to tear down the existing building and construct 16 new properties around a courtyard."