The application would see a home created on the site in Wells. Pictures: Google/Hill Reading/Somerset Council

Owner’s home plan for vacant office on Wells industrial estate

Paul JonesJuly 12, 20250 Comment0

THE owner of a Wells industrial site wants to build a house so he can live there.

Plans have been submitted to Somerset Council by Hill Reading Architects to redevelop an office building at Southover Road to create “on-site accommodation” for applicant, Mr Wilmott.

The applicant, who owns the site, currently lives outside Wells and the development would allow for “improved oversight and day-to-day management of the site, increased security, and an efficient reuse of a currently unused commercial building”.

Currently, the site is home to a range of businesses, though the building earmarked for development is currently vacant.

It would be extended and a garden and parking areas created as part of the development, the application detailed.

In a statement submitted as part of the application, the applicant said the development of the home would improve his family and business lives.

“I’m undertaking this project to create a family home close to my two businesses for several important reasons,” he said, including children attending Wells schools and being able to spend “more quality family time with them”.

“In addition, relocating to this site would allow me to rent out my current home in Street, thereby providing another family with much-needed housing,” they added.

“Living on site would also significantly benefit the day-to-day running of my two businesses, which provide vehicle breakdown and recovery services. “Being close to both the premises and customers will allow me to respond more efficiently, while also improving overall site security.”

The plans will now be considered by Somerset Council planners. For more details, and to comment, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 2025/1186/FUL.