PLANS for a mosque at a former Taunton auction house have been submitted.

The scheme would see the former Octagon Salerooms, which were operated by Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH), in East Reach, converted into a “mosque and Islamic centre”.

It would see the current mosque, in Tower Lane, cease being used.

Before being taken on by GTH, the building was purpose built as a chapel in the early 1960s.

It was taken on by GTH in 2012 as the Octagon Salerooms and the current application seeks to change the use back to a religious building.

“There are no significant alterations suggested to the exterior of the Octagon Chapel,” the application said.

“The interior layout will remain as it is now combined a prayer room with welfare facilities, including facilities for disabled.

“The exterior layout of the site remains as existing with provision for vehicular turning and parking spaces for up to seventeen vehicles, plus motorcycles and bicycles.”

It added: “The property has recently come onto the market and The Taunton Mosque and Islamic Centre saw the opportunity to purchase this former chapel building to serve the needs of the local Muslim community by providing a mosque and an Islamic Centre.

“The former Octagon Chapel is considered most suitable given its design, location, and the accommodation provided, together with its parking facilities.

“Indeed, the arrangement of the property is ideal for the proposed re-purposing.

“The use of the existing Taunton Mosque located at 2 Tower Lane, Taunton, TA1 4AR will cease if this application is approved.”

One comment on the application backed the move.

“I would be delighted to see this change to a mosque,” a Bishops Lydeard resident said.

“As a resident of Taunton mu whole life and also a female (convert) to Islam, the current mosque is not large enough to accommodate all muslims to pray when required.

“It would also be great to see a larger and better women’s section of the mosque.

“I think this plan would be amazing for the diversity and inclusion of Somerset and (it) would be a shame to see this opportunity missed.”