CONSERVATION groups have been urged to think of tomorrow's Thorburians when considering plans for major town centre redevelopment.

Young people in the town would be dealt a blow if a scheme for a new library, retail store and offices on the current library site in St Mary Street failed to materialise, a local business leader claimed.

"It seems wrong that it's only older people who are putting up arguments against it," said Barry Hulbert chairman of fast growing insurance firm Europa Group which needs new office space in the town.

"We have to look to the future and to the younger generation. If we don't develop the town centre it will end up as just a lot of charity shops.

Mr Hulbert was speaking as South Gloucestershire planning chiefs toured the site of the proposed three story development, condemned by English Heritage and local conservation groups as poorly designed and at odds with the character of the town.

Charles Eardley-Wilmot, chairman of the Concern for Thornbury group, said they were happy to see the site developed.

"But we are talking about the size, scale and suitability of this building," he said. "It will be 20 feet higher than neighbouring buildings and will tower over them."

District Heritage Trust chairman Paul Wildgoose said the size and proportions of of the proposed building completely overpowered and obscured adjacent character buildings. It failed to respect the character of the Conservation Area or to reflect existing building styles.

"Thornbury needs a new library but not at the expense of the historic character which makes the town so attractive residents and visitors," he said. "Once lost, it cannot be replaced."

Representing the applicants, shopping centre owners Peer Holdings, Robert Couchman said they had been conscious of the sensitive nature of the site.

"That's why we have spent many hours talking with the council and the local community - to make sure we don't end up with another Safeways box."

He said the Peer Group was in Thornbury for the long term and was part of the community.

"We are not a new brand," he said. "We have been here for ten years and we are not trying to take a profit and leave."

Thornbury district councillors Jeanette Ward, Maggie Tyrrell and Clare Fardell were also in favour of the development.

Cllr Ward said: "Without it we could lose a business employing many people in Thornbury. It could easily go elsewhere.

"This is vital to secure Thornbury's future in the social and economic terms,"

Town councillor Terry Ray said the scheme offered a unique opportunity and the council was overwhelmingly in favour.

Planning officers are now preparing recommendations to members of the Development Control Committee who are set to decide the application on Thursday, October 12.