The old Lloyds bank building in Cricklade High Street will not be turned back into a home.

The decision by Wiltshire Council to refuse permission to Acton Holdings for the scheme has been upheld by a government inspector,

The company had lodged an appeal after the council had refused its plan to turn the 18th century grade II-listed building, which is now unused, back into a four-bedroom house

Planners at County hall felt the loss of the building to community uses, such as a bank or a shop, would damage the town’s High Street and “contribute towards the further decline of services and facilities in Cricklade which play an important role in meeting the day to day needs of the residents.”

That ruling was upheld by the inspector Anne Jordan appointed by the secretary of state for housing communities and local government.

She said: “If the premises were changed to residential use, they would no longer be available for use as a community facility.

"As a result this would reduce the capacity of the settlement to provide for a range of community facilities, to the detriment of its vitality and viability.”

The loss of an appeal is normally the end of a planning application, although it is possible for Acton Holdings to appeal to the High Court or ask for a judicial review.