Work has started to demolish the former library in the town centre to make way for affordable, independent living apartments for older people.
Wiltshire Council applied for permission earlier this year to demolish the former library, the adjacent clinic building—which was most recently a Chinese restaurant—and the former education centre at the rear of the site on Lowbourne.
Earlier this month, work began to take down the site which, according to the application, Wiltshire Council has said will prevent ‘dangerous’ antisocial behaviour.
In a statement on Wiltshire Council’s planning portal, the residential team said, “We are seeking permission to demolish these buildings ahead of the development because we have become aware of significant anti-social behaviour on the site, including illegal entry into the buildings—which have been secured—people climbing on the roofs, graffiti and other signs of anti-social behaviour.”
The third building adjacent to the site, a two-storey office block known as Lowbourne House, is excluded from the application. Wiltshire Council has stated that it will only be demolished if planning permission for the development is granted.
Both Melksham Town Council and Melksham Without Parish Council supported the application.
