AN application to demolish the former Chinese restaurant, next to the library in Lowbourne, and erect a new two-storey building for flats was considered at a town council meeting last night.
Councillors expressed surprise that the former restaurant did not form part of the whole library site, which is expected to become housing when the library moves to the campus. It was suggested that the restaurant had closed down at least five years ago. However, cllr Jon Hubbard said, “The chances of having retail go back in there are fairly slim.”He said they should consider the impact of the building on surrounding properties, but added, “We will struggle to find reasons to object to this.”
The mayor, cllr Pat Aves said she welcomed the plans. “We need to have people live in the town centre,” she said. “It is good for security.”
Councillors agreed that they had no objections to the plans. Chair of the town council’s economic, development and planning committee, cllr Adrienne Westbrook said although they had no objections, councillors should add the statement, “We would have liked the whole site to be developed at the same time, as a whole unit.”
The town council’s comments will be sent to Wiltshire Council, who will make a decision on the application.
