PLANS have been submitted to demolish two detached buildings in the centre of Highbridge and replace them with a three-storey block of flats. 

The applicant is seeking outline planning permission to knock down numbers 9, 10 and 11 Church Street to replace them 15 flats and two coach house flats.

If the proposals get the green light, 16 of the new flats would have one bedroom, and the other flat would have two bedrooms. 

The applicant says: “Number 9 Church Street was a commercial shop with one one-bedroom flat and one two-bedroom flat. 

“Number 10 Church Street is a funeral directors' premises, and number 11 Church Street is four one-bedroom flats. 

“The proposals are sensitively designed to maximize the setting of the building and facilitate its use as affordable accommodation.

“The proposals meet the tests of the primary legislation, in that they have paid special regard to the desirability of smaller accommodation with accessibility to public transport and shops.

“The variation also addresses the building mass, improving the current shape.

“Ecology aspects have been addressed and considered in line with current legislation.

“Special attention has been paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character and appearance of the area.”

Somerset Council is accepting comments on the planning application (number 11/23/00032) until Tuesday, September 19.