A PLAN to turn nine Taunton shops into three restaurants has been approved by Taunton Deane Borough Council.

The decision was made at a planning committee meeting last night (June 22).

Rockspring, who own the Orchard shopping centre, made the application to change the use of nine units within the pig market area from A1 (retail) to A3 (restaurant).

A spokesman for Rockspring attended the meeting, and refused to comment on the potential new occupiers of the restaurants.

The Gazette first revealed the news at the start of the month, when business owners currently based in those shops hit out at the decision.

The president of Taunton’s Chamber of Commerce also spoke out, saying it could mean the permanent loss of some businesses.

The owners say that existing retailers who are trading well, are being relocated within the centre wherever possible.

Plans for the first restaurant show it would take over the former Austin Reed shop, with an outdoor section.

The application was submitted for full planning permission in April.

It would also incorporate the Panche 33 shop, a vacant building, Chinese Healthcare and American Nails.

The second restaurant would take over Silver Scene, Greggs, Miles Morgan Travel and Haydn Welch Jewellers.

However, Miles Morgan Travel, will be relocating to a new bigger premises within the centre.

Plans for the third restaurant show it going where the Piazza Cafe is, along with the former Gerald David butcher store.

It would be the latest set of restaurants to open in the town, following Ask Italian, Wildwood and Bill’s all opening last year.

Colin Barrell, president of the Taunton Chamber of Commerce, commented on the application.

He said: “Orchard should remaining a shopping centre and not a major eating venue. If retail is forced out it is very unlikely to return.”

He added: “More restaurants and cafes will see more independents go out of business.”

A Rockspring spokesman said: “We are working hard on our wider efforts to ensure that Taunton is a more attractive and vibrant place to visit, both through investment in refurbishment and by improving the mix and choice of outlets on offer at Orchard shopping centre.

“We are in discussions with some of our existing retailers to relocate them within Orchard shopping centre.”

Speaking of the plans and the move to a new centre, Miles Morgan, from Miles Morgan Travel, said he was looking forward to the move.

Mr Morgan said: "We're delighted to let you know that we are moving in August to much bigger premises and still within the Orchard Shopping Centre.

"The move will allow us more space and a bigger Foreign Exchange Bureau as the current shop has simply been too busy.

“Work will commence in early July and we should be in within five weeks.

"Certainly Abigail, our manager in Taunton and her team are excited about the move and we hope you will like it too."

Which restaurants would you like to see open in Taunton? Tell us in the comments below.