SALISBURY library will not see any cuts to services as a result of its proposed move to the Maltings, Wiltshire Council has said.

Fears for the library's future were raised this week in light of a recent planning application that will see the service moved to a new multi-purpose unit in Fisherton Street as part of the first phase of plans to redevelop the Maltings.

Developer TH Real Estate announced its intention to build an 86-bedroom Travelodge hotel, new library, gym and restaurant in units that formerly housed the British Heart Foundation furniture shop and The Original Factory Shop.

Salisbury and Wiltshire Councillor Brian Dalton raised concerns about the size of the unit set aside for the relocated library, taking to Twitter to ask: "Does Salisbury really need a tiny library? Better still, don't move it! It's the second busiest in the SW [south west]. Any move may kill it."

But a Wiltshire Council spokesman said the planning application is the "equivalent size" of the existing ground floor library space, adding: "Through through better use of space, flexible shelving and storage, [it] will offer the same range of services in a new, purpose-built modern facility."

A full redevelopment is planned for the Market Walk once the library move has taken place.

Pauline Church, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for economic development and South Wiltshire recovery said: “We recognise people’s concerns with the Market Walk redevelopment and moving the library from that site. However, I would like to reassure residents that no services will be lost if the library is moved.

“The proposed new library will be the same size as the ground floor of the current library, and will utilise new technologies that allow for greater community access and improved use of the space.

“The development of Market Walk is first stage of the wider Maltings redevelopment, which will, in time, incorporate a new cultural quarter with City Hall, Salisbury Playhouse, the new library site, gallery and exhibition space.

“These are very exciting plans for the city.”

Salisbury library and the Young Gallery, housed on the library's second floor, were approached for comment.

The second phase of Maltings plans are set to look at the development of a new "cultural quarter" to include City Hall and Salisbury Playhouse, and a new modern library site layout, plus gallery and exhibition space. Wiltshire Creative, supported by Wiltshire Council, is undertaking a cultural survey, which will identify what will be incorporated into the cultural quarter, and in turn form the basis of a masterplan for the area.

To comment on the proposals visit Wiltshire Council's website, application number 18/11957/FUL.