Wiltshire Council has approved plans to demolish the long-vacant Co-op building on Mill Street, bringing an end to years of complaints about break-ins, fires and anti-social behaviour at the derelict site.
The decision comes nearly a year after Cedar Care Homes who bought the building, first submitted the application. The structure has stood empty for around five years and has been described by nearby residents as an eyesore and persistent "nuisance".
Cedar Care, which plans to redevelop the land as a residential care home, had repeatedly pressed the council for permission to clear the building, arguing that the deteriorating structure had become unsafe and was attracting escalating anti-social behaviour. The company stressed that it has “no desire to reopen the site as a retail store”, and that it was not in its interests to leave the land vacant any longer than necessary.
The demolition application experienced several delays, including the need for an ecological appraisal that triggered a new consultation late last year. The report outlined mitigation measures to protect local wildlife during demolition.
With consent now granted, the owner is expected to move ahead with clearing the site. A full planning application for the future care home has not yet been submitted, though Cedar Care has previously indicated that design work remains ongoing.
Residents living near the building are likely to welcome the decision after holding meetings with police and the developer to raise concerns about safety, and many having written to Wiltshire Council in support of early demolition.
No timetable has yet been released for when work on the site will begin.
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