THE PROPOSED design for a new space-age library in the centre of Dursley has met with strong opposition from the town council.

Discussing the application for planning permission for the new building at a planning meeting last week, councillors decided by a majority vote to reject the design for the glass and steel building in May Lane.

They felt the design was not in keeping with the rest of the conservation area and the market town situation.

The council also commented on concerns about the demolition and the fact the builders' compound would be on the opposite side of the road. The council believes it is important that the road and footway access from May Lane is not blocked and there remains adequate access to the bus station.

Cllr Jim Froggatt told the Gazette: "We are very keen to see a new library in the town," he said. "But not in that building. I believe it is totally wrong and do not think it would fit in with the architecture of a market town - unless we are going to pull everything down and start again."

The new the two-story building, which is expected to cost in the region of £750,000, has been designed by Ridge Consultants.

The new library is a joint venture between Gloucestershire County Council and Stroud District Council.

But Cllr Froggatt added this is not the sort of building the town council wants to encourage.

"We understand that the glass and steel construction may cost less than a stone and brick fronted building," he added. "But I am sure rate payers would agree that it is worth spending a bit more money to get something other than this monstrosity. Unfortunately the county council can overrule our view and go ahead with the building.

County council portfolio holder for community services Cllr Jeremy Hilton said the council was proposing a modern piece of architecture that reflects the modern services the library will provide.

"It is impossible to pre-empt any decision made by the district or county council's planning officers," added Cllr Hilton. "The plans for the new library will go before the appropriate planning committees and any decision they make will be adhered to by the county council."

The plans have been on display in the town centre as part of a public consultation. A public meeting earlier this month was poorly attended.

Cllr Hilton added it was impossible to gauge public opinion from the meeting.

"Unfortunately the turn out for the public consultation was not as high as we hoped," he said. "As the results of this evening are not representative it would be inappropriate to use any data gathered.

"Those members of the public who did attend expressed positive feedback on the services the new library would provide."

Pictured: A computer-generated image of the proposed new library building.