Plans to replace 'eyesore’ building receive support

Warminster Town Council councillors have backed plans for a new building to replace a historic ‘eyesore’ property which is being demolished following enforcement action.

They have supported a planning application for a shop and 11 flats to replace the property at Number 3 High Street which has been covered by scaffolding for more than a decade.

Wiltshire Council was forced to take enforcement action against the owner of the Grade 2 listed building which was last occupied in 2005.

The property had since been left empty and derelict after being classed as dangerous and its frontage propped up by scaffolding.

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Number 3 High Street in Warminster is being demolished (Image: Trevor Porter)

A council spokesperson said: “Warminster Town Council has consistently pressed for enforcement action on Number 3 High Street and remains pleased that action continues at the site.

“In March 2024, it was announced that the building would finally be demolished after many years of being a blight on the town centre.”

Ian Frostick, chair of the Feoffees of the historic St Lawrence Chapel next to Number 3, said they and the trustees supported the planning applications in principle.

He requested that consideration be given to the structural integrity of the Chapel’s curtilage, tower, and stained-glass window and to the 13th century graveyard.

Number 3 High Street in Warminster is being demolished (Image: Trevor Porter)

Warminster town councillors also raised concerns about potential access problems, as well as there being no scale on widening the path for the 11 flats.

They resolved to raise no objection to the application subject to several conditions.

These include carrying out any remedial work needed to the main entrance pillars, gate, railings, and wall stonework following a survey.

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They want to ensure that appropriate permissions are sought to preserve the 13th century graveyard before builders excavate the Chapel path and the development site.

They also want appropriate surveys to protect the Chapel and any remedial repairs carried out to protect the Chapel tower, and a mesh to be installed to protect the stained-glass window above the Chapel toilet.

They say the materials and construction methods used would need to be appropriate and sympathetic to the historic surroundings, including a traditional Bath stone frontage in keeping with other shops in the town.

They also say that more waste bins, an increase in the size of the bin storage area, or a provision for more regular collections may be needed for the 11 flats proposed.

Wiltshire Council will decide whether to grant planning permission and impose any associated conditions.