FUTURISTIC plans for a Somerset visitor centre on the edge of Wellington are likely to be submitted to district council planners in the autumn.

The team behind the House of Somerset project expects the scheme to be ready by October for planning scrutiny after spending four years and £4 million on developing it.

Ahead of the application local residents are likely to be given an opportunity to view the plans and give their feedback in September.

The project, led by marketing and public relations consultant Nigel Muers-Raby, who is also a director of Visit Somerset, could cost up to £15 million and directly and indirectly create more than 200 jobs.

It would be built alongside Foxmoor Business Park, off Junction 26 of the M5 motorway, with the aim of capturing passing motorists and showing them what Somerset has to offer.

A centrepiece of the development could be an iconic tower up to 150 feet high with a viewing platform at the top.

The tower would mimic Wellington Monument in support of the National Trust’s £4 million restoration plans for the landmark tribute to the Duke of Wellington’s famous defeat of Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

Another feature would be a farmer’s market-style hall showcasing local foodstuffs and highlighting the fact that Somerset has more food and drink producers than any other county.

There would also be an artisan workshop for local crafters to show what they can produce, a visitor interpretation centre, a walking trail and woodland dog-friendly picnic area, wetland areas, electric vehicle charging points, and ‘Boris Bike’ style bicycle hire.

Mr Muers-Raby wants House of Somerset to be a gateway to the South West with tourists breaking their journeys to Devon and Cornwall to spend time sampling the local offer.

Town councillors who were given an informal briefing on the project by Mr Muers-Raby broadly welcome the scheme after learning visitors would be encouraged to go on to explore Wellington before resuming their journeys.