A FORMER solicitors office in Taunton could be converted into nine apartments, if plans are approved.

The building, at 11 Hammet Street, was formerly home to Broomhead & Saul Solicitors, but has been empty since 2019.

Now, APW Planning Consultants, on behalf of Perfect Information Property Ltd, have applied to Somerset Council for permission to convert the grade II-listed building into “high-quality” apartments.

If approved, the scheme would see eight one-bed apartments, and one two-bed apartment, created.

“The (site) has been actively marketed for commercial uses since 2020 by Greenslade Taylor Hunt,” the application said. “No end user has been forthcoming.”

It said the location was “highly sustainable”, and would “secure the long-term use of the property”.

“The proposed development will meet an existing demand for smaller and thus more affordable units in the town centre,” it added.

“Our client has undertaken extensive market research including with commercial agents to gain an understanding of the market and current demand.

“Discussions have also taken place with Musgrove Hospital where there is a strong demand for single bedroom units for key workers.”

The scheme will now be considered by Somerset Council planners. For more details, and to comment on the scheme, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search for application reference 38/24/0334.