A SOFT play centre could be developed between Taunton and Bridgwater if plans are approved.

An application by Sarah Palmer has been submitted to Somerset Council to develop the attraction at Units 6 and 7 at Drakes Yard, Durston, off the A361 near Taunton.

Currently used for potato storage, the application seeks permission to change that use for a soft play centre.

The scheme is described as potentially including a “sports area, a car track area, a passive role play area, and reading area”.

“The project will be developed with a product mix and service ethic to ensure differentiation to other play facilities ensuring a unique and iconic offering,” the application said.

“The facility will be available for children’s parties and pay and play sessions.

“Use by children with special needs has been considered in the development plan for this project and the whole facility will be compliant with the 2010 Equality Act.”

Meanwhile, “non-alcoholic hot and cold drinks will be available, together with light meals and snacks”, it said.

“The facility will provide a multi-faceted play environment for children, which will encourage exercise, thought and interaction with other children in the play process,” the application added.

“Additionally, the design ethic of the play equipment is to provide features which encourage children to undertake the full range of activities generally undertaken in physical play while facilitating problem solving and enabling children to explore and learn for themselves.

“This encouragement in physical play will implicitly contribute to increasing the physical activity of children visiting the facility and therefore implicitly provide a benefit to health.

“Additionally, the design ethic encourages inclusion. Children with special needs can use the facility with appropriate supervision.”

For more information, and to comment on the plans, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search for application reference 16/24/0001.