A FORMER bank building in the heart of a South Somerset town could become 'guest rooms', prompting objections from neighbours.

The building, in James Street, South Petherton, was home to the town's NatWest bank branch until 2015.

In August, an application to change the use of the ground floor to allow a restaurant to open in the premises was approved.

The scheme included plans to change use of part of the first floor to an 'assembly room', as well as the construction of an external bar/servery.

However, the scheme now submitted would see the creation of seven guest rooms on part of the first and second floors.

But the scheme has received two objections from neighbours.

One wrote that the new application seemed to get rid of the possible community benefits of an assembly room.

"I am very disappointed to see this application for change of use," they said.

"The original application implied it was a venture that was directly for the local community, with assembly rooms etc.

"Instead, this is now being changed to a hotel/restaurant with rooms which will be just for those who can afford it.

"It is situated in the central heart of the village which would benefit most from a space that directly serves the local community.

"Furthermore, a lot was made of creating extra car parking spaces at the rear, which will now all be for overnight visitors and therefore its overall use will add to the general parking issues in the village.

"Having endured noise and disruption through lockdown and beyond I am sorry to see this venture for the village turned into something that will bring little benefit to the local community."

Another objected to the possible demolition of part of the boundary wall.

"In general, I welcome the development to bring much needed work into the village, but I feel I must object to the partial demolition of the eastern boundary wall approved in 20/01367/full, as that vehicular access bridge will be replaced by a much smaller pedestrian entrance," they said.

"I believe that the boundary wall should be reinstated to its full height as a condition of approval."

They said the wall would act as a noise barrier for the property.

For more details of the plan, log on to www.southsomerset.gov.uk/services/planning, application reference 21/02795/COU.