NANDO’S will not confirm whether they are moving into a vacant site on East Street in Taunton.

An application on Taunton Deane Council’s planning website shows Provincial Real Estate Taunton Limited has applied to change the use of the vacant building from retail to flexible use of retail or cafe and restaurant.

The unit is next to T-Mobile in East Street and has been empty since January this year.

But a Nando’s spokesman would not confirm or deny whether they plan to move into this site.

In the planning document online, planners say the development will support the area and ‘enhance the overall vitality and viability’ of the primary shopping area in the town.

It adds: “The proposal will facilitate private sector investment within Taunton town centre and the reoccupation of the floorspace by a Class A3 operator is estimated to generate approximately seven full time employment positions.

“They will help to reduce unemployment and increase earnings and disposable income within the Borough.”

One of the representations over the plans showed concerns of the pavement being blocked by people smoking outside the cafe or restaurant.

* A SHOP in Bridge Street, Taunton, which is boarded up by a large question mark on an orange background, has been granted permission by Taunton Deane Council to change its use from retail to professional services.

The new owner is Gareth Anderson from Property Plans SW Ltd.