Historic town centre building to be converted into seven flats

The former Lloyds Bank building in Melksham High Street will be converted into seven one and two bedroom apartment flats, following Wiltshire Council’s approval of the planning application on Wednesday 6th December.

Following the closure of Lloyds Bank in February last year, residents had suggested the 100-year-old building could be turned into a restaurant, wine bar or community hub.

Local MP, Michelle Donelan, also spearheaded a campaign for the building to become a banking hub but Melksham was not eligible because the town already has building societies.

Discussing this on social media some local residents were disappointed at the decision. One said, “What a surprise the council didn’t listen to the residents. Such a shame that a beautiful building will be converted into flats. It’s a real shame.” Others commented that flats would be preferable to an empty building.

Melksham’s mayor cllr Simon Crundell said, “I am disappointed that this beautiful building in the very heart of our town is to become housing. However, I do understand the need for housing, especially aimed at the rental and first-time buyer market.

“As mayor and as a town council, Melksham has no power to dictate what can and cannot be done with privately-owned buildings. I only hope that the housing that is put into the building is affordable and the build itself is sympathetic to the heritage and beauty of this replica of a local stately home.”

In letter sent to Wiltshire Council at the time of submitting the planning application, SPG property Trust said, “After a lengthy period of marketing with zero enquiries we have reached the conclusion that due to the scale of the building itself and the current retail decline in the area especially on Melksham High Street, the commercial use of the property is no longer viable.

“The residential scheme proposed will improve the appearance of the local area and provide lovely accommodation, especially for the elderly, that will be very close to the local amenities.”

Congestion

When the planning application was submitted in August, residents of Place Road, which borders one side of the bank, raised concerns about the possible increase of congestion the flats could bring to the area. Another resident also suggested less flats could be developed, to ease congestion.

The Place Road Residents’ Association was also formed, enabling residents to demonstrate their feelings against the planning application.

“At our inaugural meeting the members of the association voted unanimously to concur with all the objections thus far raised by residents of Place Road to this planning application,” says chair of the association, David Ballantyne, in comments on the Wiltshire Council planning portal.

“We will not accept more people coming down Place Road to park and will take appropriate action should this occur. We further ask that consideration be given to the harassment and stress that would be engendered in the residents of Place Road, not just during the building phase, but thereafter.”

Pictured: Former Lloyds Bank building at 1 High Street