A NEW betting shop could soon open in the centre of Taunton.

A planning application, by Lichfields, has been submitted to Somerset Council on behalf of Boylesports (UK) to change the use of 34 Fore Street to a bookmakers.

Alterations to the shopfront, formerly Carphone Warehouse, the Bay clothes shop and more recently a pop-up clothes shop, are also proposed in the plans.

Founded in Ireland in 1989 by John Boyle, the Taunton store would be a continuation of Boylesports’ expansion in the UK, the application said.

How Boylesports could look, right, and the former Carphone Warehouse store in Fore Street, Taunton. Pictures: Google/Somerset Council

“More recently, the business purchased a group of 13 shops in the Birmingham area in 2019, which saw the start of their expansion in the UK.

“Geographic coverage has widened in recent years with additional locations carefully chosen to open additional shops, with the current UK estate size approaching 70 shops.

“The business seek to continue this expansion within selected locations.”

If approved, the betting shop would be the fifth in the centre of Taunton, alongside the already-established Paddy Power, William Hill, and two Betfred outlets. A Ladbrokes is also to be found on the Wellington New Road.

The scheme will now be considered by Somerset Council planners. For more details, and to comment on the application, visit somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 38/25/0236.

There are already four betting shops in the centre of Taunton. The proposed Boylesports location is marked by the arrow. Picture: Google

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