A SOMERSET wedding venue has put forward ambitious plans to expand so it can stage more events.

The Mill House Equestrian Centre lies on the River Tone, almost exactly halfway between Taunton and Wellington.

The owners of the venue wish to improve the venue by expanding its current premises and putting a new bridge over its mill pond, allowing it to hold more events for the community.

Somerset West and Taunton Council is expected to make a decision on the plans before the end of the year.

The venue in Bradford-on-Tone began holding weddings earlier in 2019, and has ambitions to stage yoga retreats there, according to its official website.

Up to 15 licensed events (including weddings) will be held there a year, along with other community events.

To enable this, the venue wants to extend its current premises, installing a new mezzanine floor and re-purposing one of its equestrian storage buildings to host events.

A new footbridge will also be installed over the mill leat within the grounds.

The owners applied to install new glamping pods in its grounds back in March, claiming it would help to “diversify and maintain” the main horse-riding and livery business, which was “no longer economically viable”.

Paige Lewis, who lives in Taunton, is planning on the venue to host their reception after getting marriage in the village church next year.

She said: “Once we visited the venue we realised how beautiful the settings were, and the views of the Blackdowns and Quantocks were one of a kind. We fell in love instantly with the barn and the setting.

“We fully support their plans for their barn, and hope our dream day will become a reality for ourselves and so many other couples that can have their special day at this stunning venue.”

Ella Lawrence, a make-up artist and beauty therapist from Wiveliscombe, said the improvements would bring more jobs to the local area.

She said: “I can only see the positives in this application.

“To me, work like this keeps money and employment local, which is so important for our communities and small businesses.”

Ellie Cook from Wellington added: “Using the existing farm building rather than a marquee will protect the environment by reducing sound, and it will look better in its natural surroundings.”

Members of the public can make comments on the plans by visiting www.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk before November 18.