PLANS to demolish factory buildings and build more than 60 homes on the site will go before councillors on Thursday.

The outline planning application, submitted by EV Naish in Crow Lane, involves building 61 homes, mainly in the form of terraces and apartment blocks. 

It also involves demolishing 51-53 North Street, Wilton and replacing it with a new building containing a shop.

Salisbury District Council granted permission in 2004 subject to a legal agreement and conditions. But various legal issues prevented the signing of a section 106 agreement and consent for the demolition of buildings has now expired.

Officers say the design remains largely unchanged. None of the buildings are listed and a Victorian two-storey red brick building that is of historic interest is in “poor condition”.

No affordable homes are in the plans, with the applicant saying it is not viable.

But Wiltshire Council says due to the size of the development, 24 affordable homes would be required. And it adds that if the application is approved, further work would be carried out with the applicant which “may allow for some form of affordable housing”.

An assessment by Wiltshire Council has warned over noise levels from C&O Tractors next door to part of the site, saying there would be “a significant adverse impact” on residents from activities such as chainsaw testing, tractor testing, forklift operations and hammering metal. It has recommended the applicant reconsider the layout and design.

Wilton Town Council supports the application in principle but has “grave concerns” over the proposed destruction of “Wilton’s industrial heritage” and issues such as flooding.

And 28 objection letters have been sent in with concerns over light, access routes and parking.

Naish Felts wants to relocate and says the planned development will enable it to reinvest in a new site and buildings for both Naish Felts and Wallgate

In a letter to officers, director Geoff Naish says it is not viable to operate out of the 18 current buildings due to “serious access and building condition problems” but the company is keen to remain in South Wiltshire.

Officers have recommended the decision be delegated to the head of development management subject to officers and the chairman of the southern area planning committee agreeing a viability study and a section 106 agreement.

If an agreement is not reached within six months, they say it should berefused on the grounds of there being no affordable housing and other community contributions.

The plans will be discussed at a Southern Area Planning Committee meeting on Thursday at 6pm at City Hall, Salisbury.