11:44am Monday 12th December 2005
Proposals for a new retail development on the former Clark's site in Fairfield Road, Warminster, have been approved by council planners.
The scheme from Castlemore Securities (CSL) is anchored by a Focus DIY store, complete with outdoor garden centre, and three further large format type retail units.
In addition, the development will create between 80-100 new jobs for local people and provide 140 free parking spaces, including disabled spaces and cycle racks. Matthew Parry, CSL's property manager, said: "In total, the planned retail scheme has a development value approaching £10m.
"We feel that this will act as a catalyst to further investment in the town centre by encouraging both shoppers and other retailers to come to Warminster."
The final scheme, submitted during the summer, benefited from a process of pre-application consultation, which has helped to shape the proposals.
Mr Parry added: "It was very important that we consulted local people prior to submitting our vision for the site to the district council, a process which resulted in some very sensible comments and suggestions.
"For instance, there was some concern that the drive-thru-restaurant element would result in an increased level of litter and noise in the area. We agreed, and altered the plans by replacing the drive-thru with an extra retail unit."
To promote and maximise linked trips from the new development to the Market Place, CSL have agreed to make a significant contribution towards the building of two pedestrian crossings on Fairfield Road and Station Road, in addition to a dedicated cycleway and footway to run along the front of the development.
The plans have received unanimous approval from Warminster Town Council, and support from the Chamber of Commerce and West Wiltshire Economic Partnership.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.thisiswiltshire.co.uk