A DEVELOPMENT of 43 flats above shops and a bank in the centre of Taunton has moved a step closer.

Proposals for the studio apartments have won conditional approval in principle after Somerset West and Taunton passed a change of use application for a number of vacant offices.

The premises at 30/32 Fore Street and 56 North Street would be rented out.

The flats would be above the existing River Island, Lloyds Bank and The Perfume Shop, which were not part of the application.

The applicant, Heritage FL Unit Linked Life UK Property, will need to submit a further planning application to the council before converting the disused offices.

The council has ruled that the proposals would have a significant effect on the Somerset Levels and Moors protected site.

As a result, the development cannot start until the council is satisfied that the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations have been met.