Blue Pool site works undertaken before planning approval

Melksham Town Council carried out structural works at the Blue Pool site before obtaining planning permission for the project.

The council was preparing to temporarily relocate its amenities team to the former swimming pool site and commissioned preparatory work.

Works at the site included the removal of a wall to install gates, the installation of electric vehicle charging points for council vehicles and the placement of two shipping containers.

After Melksham News enquired whether planning permission had been granted, Melksham News understands that the council subsequently contacted Wiltshire Council to clarify whether permission was required. The town council said it has since received confirmation that planning permission is required for the works.

Leader of Wiltshire Council Cllr Ian Thorn said, “We would advise any applicant not to proceed with any works until either they receive confirmation from Wiltshire Council that permission is not required or until any planning application has been decided and permission obtained.”

The town council said the amenities team will stay at its Bowerhill base while the next steps are considered.

Deputy Mayor Gillian Elson said, “As part of this ongoing, proactive review of local facilities, the council recently explored the potential centralisation of operations at the Blue Pool site, having outsourced the preparatory work to thoroughly assess and investigate the required programme of work and advise on necessary findings and actions.

“During these initial phases, the council’s robust oversight identified that the outsourced work had commenced ahead of the finalisation of necessary planning or administrative processes. Demonstrating swift leadership and decisive action, the council immediately stepped in to pause the process, ensuring that all regulatory standards are rigorously and correctly met before any further steps are taken.

“Our priority is, and always will be, the seamless delivery of services to our community alongside absolute regulatory compliance.”

The council took over the Blue Pool site from Wiltshire Council for a nominal £1 in April 2025. At the time, councillors described it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and set out ambitions to create a long-term community asset including potential cultural and leisure uses. It was confirmed there was no budget allocated to progress the wider Blue Pool project during the current financial year.