PLANS for a new 30-bed unit at a Wellington-based hospital have been submitted to the council.

Montpelier Estates has submit the application to Taunton Deane Borough Council for the new unit on land adjacent to Elysium Healthcare's Wellesley Hospital.

The healthcare provider would also run the new 30-bed unit at the 75-bed, medium-low secure, mental health hospital which opened in May 2017.

The hospital faced troubled times after a Care Quality Commission report found a high level on patient on staff assaults, but the service redeemed itself in July after receiving a 'good' score from the inspection body.

The new 30-bed unit aims to provide treatment, care and rehabilitation for patients with learning disabilities and/or mental health issues.

The plans recently went before Wellington Town Council who decided to recommend approval for the plans.

Mayor of Wellington, cllr Gary James, welcomed the employment opportunities it would bring to the town.

He said: "The council decided to support the plans as it gives a facility for people so they don't have to travel far to get the treatment they need, or to see their loved ones receiving care.

"It will also bring in new job opportunities and is in a good location being next to Wellesley Hospital so it will be of benefit to them."

Cllr Janet Lloyd also welcomed the employment opportunities it would bring to the town, as well as enhancing the hospital's current facilities.

Cllr John Thorne said: "I welcome the plans, particularly as I helped champion the existing Wellesley Hospital application through a challenging planning environment several years ago.

"I also said I am pleased to see more skilled jobs being created for Wellington by a company which has a proven track record of experience in delivering high-quality facilities."

TDBC is expected to make a decision on the plans by October 16.

To view more detail search application number 43/18/0079 on the Deane's planning website.