A NEW bar and beer store could be coming to Taunton town centre – if plans are approved.

The people behind The Chapel bar and restaurant, in Cotford St Luke, have applied for permission to open a venue and retail premises at 4 Fore Street – the former home of Jack Wills.

Westward Planning, on behalf of Steve Elliott, has applied to Somerset Council for permission to change the use of 4 Fore Street to a drinking establishment, as well as internal alterations and signs.

The plans look to change the use of the premises from a retail store into a bar with tables and seating on the ground and first floors, as well as the creation of a staff room and toilets.

How the proposed Chapel Tap bar and retail premises could look at the former Jack Wills shop in Taunton. Picture: Court Design/Somerset Council

“The building is currently unoccupied, its past use as a retail store having ceased in January 2024,” the application said. “It is intended that initially, the first phase of the new use would be to provide the drinking area/bar on the ground floor, as well as the second floor WC.

“As the business becomes established, it is then intended to bring the first floor additional seating area online.

“It is anticipated that these premises will used as a “wet” bar, and no food will be prepared on the premises (cold pre-prepared snacks will be sold, as will hot drinks).

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“In addition, products (primarily beers and beverages) will be sold for consumption off the premises; two sides of the ground floor is shelved out for retail use, so an element of retail would remain.”

The grade II-listed premises were extensively refurbished when Jack Wills opened, with new frontages installed.

Somerset Council planners will now consider the plans, and for more details, and to comment, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 38/25/0270.

The Chapel, in Cotford St Luke, has proved popular with residents. Picture: Google