MELKSHAM Town Council has raised no objections to the planning application to build a new builders’ merchant and an automotive centre on the site of the old Countrywide store at the Farmers Roundabout.
However, councillors at last week’s Economic Development and Planning meeting raised concerns about drainage at the site and its impact on wildlife in a nearby brook, asking for reassurance from the developers that there is mitigation in place.
“Whilst we recognise that this is a brownfield site and we see no reason to object,” said cllr Jon Hubbard at the meeting, “we are very mindful and concerned about drainage on the site, and want confirmation that mitigation has been put in [place] to deal with it.”
Flooding in the area and its potential to get worse in the coming years, was also flagged as something that the developers should consider. Also in their response to the planning application, councillors agreed to request that the developers work with the town council to agree a landscaping plan for the site, as it is located on the entrance to the town.
They have also encouraged the developer to increase the number of electric vehicle charging points on the site.
Also at the meeting, cllr Saffi Rabey explained that she has been contacted by ‘quite a few’ local independent motor companies concerned about a new automotive centre setting up shop in the town – however, it was explained that this is not a planning issue and cannot be used as a reason to object to the plans.
The application has been submitted to Wiltshire Council for consideration, and if successful, the two new businesses could create around 35 full time equivalent (FTE) local jobs.
A spokesperson for L2 Property Ltd, told Melksham News last month that if planning permission is granted, work will commence later in 2022 with completion anticipated in early 2023.
The deadline for comments is 28th January. Plans can be viewed on the Wiltshire Council planning website, using the reference PL/2021/11498 – www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-building-control/planning
