PLANS to redevelopment a dilapidated retail unit into an 11 bedroom residential property in the centre of Malmesbury has sparked controversy among residents, retailers and local politicians.

The currently derelict building at 6 Oxford Street has not been used since 2005, when it was a shop with residential rooms above.

The plans for the redevelopment of the 623 sq metre property include 11 bedrooms, four kitchens, a snug and a music room on the top floor.

Simon Killane called the plan in after it had been put forward as he believes it will be to the detriment of the town.

He said: “It is right in the heart of the town, right in the retail centre, across from the town hall, less than two mins from two hour free parking.

“If it’s allowed to go ahead it will damage the infrastructure in town, sending the signal that people can make quick buck with their property, and increasing rents in the process.

“There are several new shops in town, all independent retailers; recent success has proved there is potential there in Malmesbury.

“The current property has been left to fall into disarray, that’s no justification to take away the commercial requirement of the building.

“You have to have commercial premises at the heart to keep a vibrant high street.

“Calling the plans in gives us all a chance to hear both sides of the argument. I’m bringing it to a different forum and giving residents a chance to hear the discussion.”

Stewart Shape, owner of The Wild Food Co, Lula and Sailor and The Birdcage Pizzeria in Malmesbury, also opposes the plans.

He said: “Yes number six [Oxford Street] does not look great at the moment, but that’s because of a long legal wrangle with the old owner.

“Now it has been sold and has a new owner, retailers are very keen to make sure it will become two shops again, and retain its valued and proper retail use.

“Speaking to local letting and property agents I know for a fact that Malmesbury has become a more desirable place to live recently and that is due to a now thriving high street, bucking the trend of many towns.

“This is why I, as a retail investor in this lovely town, am determined to make sure the work we all put in is not undermined and ruined by a short sighted, socially and communally detrimental application.

“That property has been there for ten years, and as soon as it came on the market it was snapped up.

“People say nobody would take that on to be retail, but they will get just as much money.
“Just because it’s been in a dilapidated state doesn’t mean it’s going to be there for another ten years.

“Losing retail takes away the fabric and town and community away. We don’t want property developers; it’s short-sightedness.”

Roger Budgen, chair of planning and environment committee on the Malmesbury Town Council, supports the plans.

“It’s a very difficult application, there are issues on both sides,” he said.

“On balance the council supported the application, essentially because the property is in such a dire state. Unless someone comes in and develops it, it is at risk of structural collapse.

“I think the view was, do we hang on and risk a developer coming in and keeping open those two shops, or accept that it is very unlikely as it’s commercially unviable and a listed building.

“We heard form a former shop keeper there that because of the lack of space and basic facilities, the shop just didn’t work.”

Lyn Penfold lives next door to the property and in glad to see something is being done to it at last. She said: “I absolutely support anyone investing in that property. It's a wreck.

“We’ve been sat in our living room listening to bits of the roof falling in.

“It was originally a house without shops; putting any impediment in the way of the very tasteful planned development isn't doing Malmesbury any favours.

“Moreover, the place has not been left to rot because of a legal wrangle. It was on sale for a long time and nobody bought it, even after the town started flourishing.

“It's a huge site, and needs a huge investment. Stopping it for the sake of two front rooms is disproportionate.”

Vanessa Fortnam-King also supports the plans. She said: “I think the benefit to the high street of having that whole block in Oxford Street renovated, with people living in each section of it, more than outweighs the loss of two small retail units.

“Town centres need residents too to make them work. I am sure the extra footfall and custom they'll bring to Oxford Street will be appreciated by all the traders.”

Kim Power, a member of Malmesbury Town Council, was also concerned about the plans. She said: “We cannot afford to lose any shops from our town centre.

“The high street is bustling and vibrant and local people support it.

“It is also an historic part of our town and it is specifically mentioned in the Conservation Area Management Plan for Malmesbury (2010) that change of use should be resisted.”