The former Burton store is a prominent feature of Chippenham Market Place but has remained empty for years after the chain closed its branch. Building owner Riverstreet Developments had obtained planning permission to convert the majority of the ground floor and all of the first floor, previously occupied by Burton, into flats. But earlier this year the landlord revealed it was in contact with a national operator that planned to occupy the ground floor as a commercial space.
READ MORE: Work takes place at long-empty store as national chain makes offer The former Burton store in Chippenham (Image: Newsquest) Riverstreet Developments said it intended to lease out this space as a commercial unit and applied for permission to add dwellings to the second floor instead, via a mansard roof extension. But this application was subsequently withdrawn, and construction has been ongoing at the building since the start of the year. In the latest planning application submitted to Wiltshire Council, it was revealed this work has implemented the approved plans to add seven residential units across the bottom two floors The final phase is underway, and the development is expected to be completed shortly.
A small retail space, measuring 39.7sq metres, will be retained at the front entrance. But the loss of the rest of the commercial space disappointed town councillor Matthew Short.
Speaking in a planning committee meeting, he said: “It’s a beautiful old building and we all want to say it b.