Plans for a £46m development of the former Bowyers site in Trowbridge have gained approval from Wiltshire Council tonight. Councillors voted 10 to one in favour of proposals during the Western Area Planning Committee meeting held at County Hall, in Trowbridge.

The project, led by developer Prorsus, will see a Morrisons supermarket, a petrol station, a leisure facility, two non-food shops, a pub, two restaurants and two cafes built on the derelict site.

Angus Horner, managing director of Prorsus said: "The development team thanks all those local people who have taken an interest in this project and have lent their support to further regeneration in Trowbridge."

During the meeting, councillors spoke in favour of the project which will create over 350 jobs.

Trowbridge Mayor John Knight, who sits on the committee, said: "It was important that the needs of local people were listened to and this is a good day for the people of Trowbridge."

Despite permission being granted the plans will now need to be ratified by the Sectary of State.

Last year, the developer submitted a similar plan which included a cinema which was rejected by the committee.

Prorsus appealed that decision, later submitting this reserve plan, minus a cinema, agreeing to delay their appeal while it was considered.

It is unclear whether Prorsus will now pursue their appeal.

For full report see this week's Wiltshire Times