PLANS for a Highbridge Hotel to become a furniture store have been given the seal of approval. 

Matt and Emily Scott from Burnham-on-Sea  acquired the former hotel and derelict tattoo studio earlier this year with the financial backing of Emily's family.

The pair submitted a planning application for the old hotel to be used as a shop on November 11 2016. 

The plans have now been approved after Burnham and Highbridge Town Council showed their support for the project. 

In a letter to Sedgemoor District Council, the town council said: " We support this application on the grounds will make the shopping area more attractive therefore improving the visual amenity. 

"Members were pleased to see that it was retaining the use of the building in the business/retail sector that would supply additional employment and further business investment in line with Sedgemoor's Core Strategy."

Work can now start on the new Highbridge shop which is set to be called, Sopha, is thought to be the original Parisian spelling of the commonly used term ‘Sofa’, and will specialise in craftsman, mattresses and homeware.