EDF Energy has lodged plans for a £15million management training centre at historic Grade I listed Cannington Court.

The firm wants a flagship state-of-the-art facility to train its staff from across the UK, and provide accommodation and catering facilities.

EDF plans to lease the site from Bridgwater College, which will use the facility when it is not needed by the energy firm.

EDF has already been given permission to start delicate conservation work at the site, parts of which date back to the 12th Century.

Taunton-based company CS Williams was selected by EDF to carry out the conservation work, which involves repairs to several listed buildings.

Marc Coltelli, EDF’s project head, said: “It’s great to see the conservation work starting at Cannington Court – an amazing old building.

“We were delighted to find a local company with the skilled craftsen and experience to undertake the project.

“An important part of our approach at Cannington Court, a significant building in Cannington, is to work with the local community to create something we can all use and benefit from.”

EDF says there was widespread support for the new training centre at local consultation events in May.

Sedgemoor District Council is expected to make a decision on the project this autumn, and, if approved, the new training centre should open next year.