THERE was yet another twist in the ongoing saga surrounding the Eastover Post Office branch, as the planning application to convert the site into a tanning salon went before Sedgemoor District Council's development committee this morning (Tuesday, May 8).

After much debate, councillors decided to defer the final decision to allow for a site visit, to help them judge whether it would be suitable for the premises to change from retail use to leisure use.

Council officer Dean Titchener, who prepared the report for the committee, recommended the application for approval.

In the report it states that 'it is expected the Post Office would close in the autumn', however it actually ended up ceasing trading on Friday (May 4).

Mr Titchener said members of the committee should consider the application before them - change of use from retail to leisure - and not think of it specifically in terms of the Post Office and tanning salon.

However Alan Hurford, Bridgwater Town Council clerk said: "We hope strict interpretation of planning policy will not override the real need for a Post Office in town.

"I hope the committee will consider the impact not just on local residents, but on the nearby businesses as well who use the Post Office for their banking."

Bridgwater's mayor, Cllr Graham Granter said that there were still ongoing negotiations which if successful could result in the someone new taking over the Post Office in the same site, and argued that the application should be deferred while these talks took place.

Cllr Gill Slocombe, portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, spoke of her concerns in bringing another tanning salon to Bridgwater, saying more detail about the business should be required and highlighting a series of health concerns associated with the effects of using solariums.

However Andrew Tregay, the agent for Boon Brown who spoke on behalf of the applicant, said the Post Office had already ceased trading and said giving the green light to the planning application would prevent the premises from being left vacant long term.

He also added the the alterations proposed to the outside of the building would be minimal.

Cllr Kathy Pearce said: "I do not think this change of use will benefit Bridgwater's town centre.

"Eastover is up and coming with two new hotels and will be part of the Celebration Mile. I feel this change would be a retrograde step."

Cllr Janet Keen pointed out that there were other vacant stores nearby where the Post Office could potentially be relocated as and when a deal was agreed and said she would support the change of use.

At the end of the debate, committee members backed a motion by Cllr Tony Grimes to undertake a site visit to inspect the impact the change of use might have on the surrounding area.

Committee chairman Cllr Bob Filmer said this site visit is likely to take place on Thursday, May 17.