THE former William Hill bookmaker’s premises in Fore Street, Wellington, could be turned into a shop at the front and one-bedroom flat at the back.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has received an application from Acorn Properties to change the use of the ground floor.

The plans come after ‘very little interest’ has been shown in the property since William Hill closed. The agents are struggling to let the premises because the floor space is ‘too big for its location’.

A statement with the application says: “This proposal retains the retail frontage to Fore Street and creates a better chance of letting the empty premises at a more affordable rental.

“The proposed residential use to the rear has no impact at all on the conservation area and requires only the very lightest of touches to convert.”

The tenant of the flat would be able to use a small yard at the back.