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News update: Lloyds Bank, Cricklade

by | Jul 8, 2020

 CDF’s aim is to preserve all commercial/community ground floor premises and ensure local services are maintained on our valuable, but fragile High Street.

The old Lloyds Bank building, which is Grade II listed, has been subject to a planning application to change from commercial to wholly residential, since the bank closed.  CDF objected to the application as it would take away the option of any commercial enterprise on the ground floor and just create one large residence.  The initial planning application was refused, this resulted in an appeal and that decision was taken on 30th June 2020.  The appeal has also been rejected and therefore change of use has not been granted.

This decision strengthens the ability to object to any further planning applications, that are against the long-term security of our High Street services, to full residential.  The decision was taken after due consideration of many factors, as well as not being in total compliance with the Wiltshire Core Strategy and the Cricklade Neighbourhood Plan. Main reasons noted:

The building is still viable for commercial/community use

  • It would be a loss to Cricklade as a Service Centre for local communities
  • There was not enough evidence of marketing as a commercial premises, and some concern raised over the sales price being quoted
  • The addition of one large house would not have a real impact on local housing supply

Covid 19 has demonstrated the importance of our High Street businesses (and Culverhay Stores).  For those that could remain open, there is no doubt they made a huge contribution to keeping the community ticking over through an extraordinary difficult time.  Where would we be without them, especially those of us that could not get out or travel out of town? 

The High Street is a huge asset to our Town and the local area.   One less business means one less reason to visit the High Street.  Lower footfall will eventually impact on the viability of the remaining businesses. We therefore cannot afford to be complacent.  It is more important than ever to maintain the services and preserve the buildings for the future.