HOBBYCRAFT is set to open a branch in Taunton.

The arts and crafts retailer is poised to start work on a store in Hankridge Way after changes to a planning rule were agreed.

The rule - known as a Section 106 agreement - was intended to protect the town centre and prohibited stores opening on the retail park which provided goods and services 'competing' with those already available in town.

This generally meant goods sold were larger than those on offer in the town centre.

However, the retailer has been successful in applying for a change to those conditions - it just needs to be signed off by Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) before they can get to work.


READ MORE: Hobbycraft hopes to open in Taunton


The chain, which has around 80 outlets across the country, is intending to open at Unit 2 of the Hankridge retail site, previously occupied by Bensons for Beds, which closed in June.

It has now applied for permission to install signs on the building as the changes to the Section 106 agreement are finalised.

A spokesperson for SWT confirmed the planning changes had been approved.

Somerset County Gazette:
CLOSED: The former Bensons for Beds store