THE sale of a range of Somerset landmarks to plug the county’s finances has moved a step closer.

On Wednesday (July 24), Somerset Council’s corporate and resources scrutiny committee agreed a provisional list of sites which could be sold off, as it struggles to fill a financial blackhole.

A final decision on the sell-off is expected at a meeting of the Executive in August.

READ MORE: Somerset Council considers selling off Market House in Taunton and Bridgwater Cornhill

Somerset Council-owned sites which could be sold off include:

Land at Manor Farm, Lopen
The site, which could be used for development, is part of a larger farm.
A total of 50 acres would be retained and let for farming, while agricultural buildings on the earmarked site could be converted to housing and sold.

Land at Evercreech
An affordable housing provider has been in talks with the council to potentially buy a site, which has not been detailed publicly.
The developer would pay the council a fee, with the site sold once planning is secured.

Downs Farm, Donyatt
Another proposal which would see part of a council-owned farm sold off.
This one could see the leaseholder purchase the farmstead, with the council retaining the freehold of the surrounding farmland.

Market House, Taunton, pictured below
The proposals say the building will become “surplus” once funding for Visitor Services – hosted in Market House – is withdrawn.
Taunton Town Council is in talks with the council regarding the provision of services in the future, while the building would be sold on the open market.

The report outlines proposals to dispose of a number of non-operational buildings and small parcels of land which hold development potential, including Market House, in Taunton. Picture: Google Maps

Unit 4, Blackdown Business Park, Wellington
With a tenant in situ, the council proposes to dispose of the unit by auction.

Roughmoor Enterprise Centre, Williton
Comprising 15 small units, let to a number of tenants, the council plans to sell the site by auction.

Yeovil Small Business Centre
Formerly owned by South Somerset District Council, this former military building s a commercial asset and would be sold on the open market.

Land at Splatt, Spaxton
Planning has been secured on farm buildings, while the house and farm buildings have also been sold.
However, 87 acres of land still owned by the council is set to be sold on the open market.

Land at Thorne Marsh, Castle Cary
The farmhouse is no longer owned by the council, though around 92 acres of land is, which could be sold on the open market.

Land at Forton, Chard
Around 92 acres on the edge of the town is currently rented and could be sold on the open market.

Leaze Farm, Lympsham
A farmhouse and buildings are set to be returned to the council once a lease expires, and would be sold on the open market, with most land retained.

Cornhill, Bridgwater
The Grade I listed building – leased to Pizza Express – as well as the indoor market would be sold on the open market, although talks are ongoing with Bridgwater Town Council.

C Block, County Hall, Taunton, pictured below
Part of the former county council complex in the county town, the block could be sold to a developer.

Part of C Block at County Hall, in Taunton, which is set for sale. Picture: Somerset Council

Firepool
Part of the controversial site in Taunton – north of Canal Way – is “considered ready for disposal”.
Identified in the area masterplan as ‘student accommodation’, it could be sold off.

Fiveways Resource Centre, Wellington
Home to Wellington Library on a temporary basis, the building is then set to become vacant. It is earmarked for sale to a developer, potentially by auction.

Boden Mill, Chard
A former lace factory dating from around 1820, a Grade II listed building is part of the site, off Silver Street.
Various redevelopment schemes have stalled and the council could dispose of the site.

Boden Centre, Chard
Made up of a two-storey building, the centre currently has tenants and could be disposed of.

Land at Ash, Martock
Two parcels of land, near the Hill View School, could be sold on the open market.

11 South Street, Wiveliscombe
Formerly the Caretakers House of Kingsmead School, the property is now vacant and could be sold on the open market.

Mary Street Car Park, Taunton
The small multi-storey car park in the town centre is considered surplus to requirements and could be redeveloped for housing. Planning advice is being sought.

The Mary Street/High Street multi-storey car park in Taunton could be developed. Picture: Google