Redevelopment of former Bowyer's Trowbridge factory approved

The former Bowyers meat processing factory has been empty for 15 years

Major redevelopment plans for a former pork pie factory have been approved.

A hybrid planning bid to regenerate the old Bowyer's factory in Trowbridge were first submitted to Wiltshire council in April 2021 by developer Innox Mills Ltd.

Now, the council has approved 255 dwellings, a convenience store and some commercial floor space for the site.

Trowbridge Town Council leader Stewart Palmen said: "This is a key milestone in the redevelopment of Trowbridge."

He added: "The plans will help alleviate the housing crisis without destroying green fields and provide new life for the old mill buildings."

The site is next to Trowbridge railway station, and has been derelict since 2008 after the Bowyer's factory closed down.

Plans include up to 872 sqm of new commercial floor space and room for micro businesses, food and drink, art and independent retail.

255 dwellings have been approved for the site

A riverside park is also to be created alongside the river Biss with public open space, play space, drainage attenuation, landscape and ecological buffers, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Councillor Christopher Newbury questioned the modern design of the buildings, and it was acknowledged that residents had concerns regarding the potential increase of traffic and congestion.

Councillor Nick Botterill, cabinet member for finance, development management and strategic planning, said: "What is proposed is more imaginative and creative and demonstrates commitment and belief in Trowbridge."

The plans have been met with a mixed response from residents with some positive about the redevelopment, but others airing concerns about how the town's infrastructure will cope.

However, the benefits of the plans were considered to outweigh the negatives, and councillors voted to approve them at the Strategic Planning Committee meeting on 29 November.

Jonathan Dean from Innox Mills Ltd said: "We are over the moon with today's decision, it marks a massive step forward for Trowbridge towards the end of a site that has been an eyesore and millstone for the town for the last 14 years."