PLANNING approval has been given to turn a former bank in the centre of Wellington into flats.

Applicants Vellam, Smith, Johnson and Henson applied for permission from Taunton Deane Borough Council to convert the former HSBC building on 2 Fore Street and 2 South Street into three flats. 

The plans would see the ground floor remain a retail area with the flats above, located on the first and second floor. The building is Grade II listed and has been vacant since August, 2017.

The officer’s report stated: “The site lies within the heart of the town centre in what must be considered a sustainable location for new flats.

“The flats themselves are slightly below the floorspace standards required by policy but that said the overriding factor here is finding a new use for these two listed buildings.

“The flats are considered to be an adequate size and will provide much-needed low market cost housing in a sustainable location.”

To read more on the plans search application number 43/18/0031 on Taunton Deane’s planning website.?