A PLANNING application has been submitted to demolish a dilapidated former pub.

Company Loadache Ltd has applied for permission for Somerset West and Taunton Council to demolish Staplegrove Inn and build four two bedroom houses in its place.

The site previously gained permission through a different developer to turn the existing building into a house of multiple occupancy, with 11 bedrooms, after it went through a planning appeal against the council's decision to refuse the initial application.

But now a new developer has submitted an application to demolish the pub, in order to build new houses on the site.

The planning documents state: "The proposal put forward seeks the demolition of the existing public house, and associated outbuildings and the creation of four two-bed new dwellings with amenity space and associated works including bin and bike storage and off-road car parking for five vehicles.

"The site is brown field land within an existing residential area of Taunton. There are safe pedestrian access links using highway pavements that allows for easy accessibility to several services on foot or by cycling.

"This development will provide sustainable, smaller homes on this brownfield site.

"The development will enhance the site and surrounding area."

The pub ceased trading in 2014, and was auctioned off in 2018 after an attempt to run it as a restaurant proved unviable.

To view or comment on the application search reference number 34/20/0009 on the planning section of SWT's website. The target decision date is July 14, with an online consultation running until June 12.