Blue Pool future still under review after works cleared

The future of Melksham’s Blue Pool site remains under review after Wiltshire Council confirmed that works carried out by the town council do not require planning permission.

The town council undertook works at the site, including alterations to a boundary wall to install gates, the installation of electric vehicle charging points and the placement of two shipping containers, in preparation for relocating its amenities team

The works were paused and the charging points removed after Wiltshire Council advised last month that planning permission was required. At the time, Wiltshire Council advised that applicants should not begin work until they had either received confirmation that planning permission was not required or had obtained planning permission.

Wiltshire Council has now confirmed that planning permission is not required, saying its initial advice was based on the information available at the time.

Deputy leader Cllr Mel Jacob said, “After carrying out a site visit and reviewing the works in more detail, officers gained a better understanding of what had taken place.

“Following this assessment, it was confirmed that the works do not require planning permission. It is not uncommon for planning advice to be updated when further information becomes available, and the revised advice reflects the findings of the site visit and detailed assessment.”

Melksham Town Council said it had now received confirmation that the works fall within permitted development rights.

Mayor Saffi Rabey said, “The town council has also successfully appealed the non-domestic business rates valuation [for the Blue Pool site], which has been reduced to zero, resulting in a saving of £33,810 per annum and a backdated refund of £33,371.59.

“In addition, Full Council agreed to insure the Blue Pool for demolition costs only, delivering a further saving of £9,500.

“No decision has yet been made on the future of the Blue Pool. The Town Team will continue to operate from Bowerhill while options are considered.

“The council remains committed to transparency, compliance and prudent financial management.”

The council took over the Blue Pool site from Wiltshire Council for £1 in April 2025 and has been exploring options to create a long-term community asset. No budget has been allocated to progress the wider project during the current financial year.