PLANS to demolish the former Durrington Library site and replace it with four one-bed flats have been refused by Wiltshire Council.

The council came to the conclusion that the plans would result in the loss of a community facility and that the applicant failed to provide evidence that the site is no longer economically viable for continued community use.

Concerns were also raised over the “poor standard” of design.

Salisbury-based DJH Property Services bought the former library site at 75 Bulford Road in late 2024 from Wiltshire Council.

The library itself moved to its new home at the Robinson Room at Durrington Village Hall back in March 2023 after the previous site reached the end of its structural life.

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In the decision notice, Wiltshire Council said the plans failed to achieve a high standard of design and would not contribute positively to the local character of the area.

Durrington Town Council also raised their objections to the plans, stating concerns over its size and the potential impact on parking in the area.

They said: “The parking in Bulford Road is problematic, additional residents will result in additional vehicles at a busy intersection with a number of local businesses within a few meters in every direction from the proposed new dwellings.

“There is a busy doctors surgery next door, a chemist a few doors away, a garage over the road and two bus stops within a few feet, this is a very busy road and the proposed development will add to the congestion.”

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