THE proposed million-pound renovation of a popular Taunton pub could encourage neighbouring businesses in a conservation area to renovate their premises, it is claimed.

Wetherspoon wants to create an open-air roof terrace cum beer garden at the back of The Perkin Warbeck, in Magdalene Street, in the shadow of St Mary Magdalene Church.

Somerset County Gazette:

The development, which would extend over the existing pavement cafe, would involve demolishing part of the upper floor of the rear of the building.

Wetherspoon also wants to construct an additional side rear terrace and reconstruct and relocate the existing front of the pub in East Street to provide a covered undercroft seating area.

Somerset County Gazette:

A company spokesman said: "Wetherspoon is planning a full refurbishment of The Perkin Warbeck. The plans are currently with the council and we will await their decision.

"We have been asked to do a historic statement too, as the pub is close to the church (behind).

"If planning permission is granted, then Wetherspoon would close the pub for a period of time while work is being carried out.

"Development cost would be around £1 million."

The roof terrace, which would not be accessible to people with "impaired mobility", would be enclosed by a glass balustrade and there would be "enhanced external lighting" and updated CCTV.

There would be no live music on either of the new terraces.

A statement accompanying the planning application, which has been lodged with Taunton Deane Borough Council, says: "The proportions of the rear elevation facing Magdalene Street will be affected by the partial demolition at the rear of the building and creation of the first floor terrace.

"However, the effect on the street scene should provide an enhancement of the visual appearance of the building."

The covered area at the front of The Perkin would be open with external seating looking out onto East Street, but Wetherspoon is prepared to consider controlling its hours of use.

Andrew Hayes, of Court Design and Conservation, has written a statement of historic significance in support of the proposals.

He said: "The architect's 3D images of the site would appear to greatly enhance the local area.

"The removal of the upper storey opens up the site and vista and may encourage other adjacent neighbours to approve and renovate their structures contained with the conservation area.

"The proposals are not seen as creating harm to the conservation area."