A HUGE revamp of Highbridge’s former cattle market is finally taking shape with plans unveiled for shops and flats to breathe new life into the site.

Mead Realisations wants to create the development on the corner of the cattle market site, which closed in 2007, and right next to the Highbridge Hotel which is also poised to undergo a dramatic transformation.

In the planning application, submitted to Sedgemoor District Council, it says the intention is to create job with the new retail units, as well as provide 10 flats for the town.

The site to the north has already been approved for 59 residential units, a MUGA, and the renovation of the Highbridge Hotel, retaining the front facade, to provide community accommodation and 22 beds for the YMCA.

The application for the cattle market site, states: “The existing site has been vacant since the cattle market closure in 2007, the existing building is falling into dilapidation, a viable future must be secured.

“The creation of new dwelling flats (predominantly two bedrooms) will help to increase housing stock to help meet local need.

“In conclusion, it will create a legible and distinctive addition to Highbridge local centre.”

However some town councillors who have looked at the plans have expressed concerns that it may not be a viable location for shops and parking arrangements for the site may not be sufficient.

Cllr Paul Young said: “The thing that concerns me is that the shop units at 184 square metres are very large.

“The only retailer that could go in there is someone like Boots.

“The Huntspill Road area isn’t a shopping area and would be in direct competition from Asda so I don’t think this will work.

“I believe the ground floor will then be converted into flats like the rest of the development which is what we don’t want.

“I would like to see town houses with families in them.”

However, despite these concerns it was given support at the town council’s recent planning committee meeting.

A separate application has been submitted to restore five cottages nearby which have not been used for decades.