THE council has still not decided on the long-term future of the former Taunton Bus Station - more than a year after it took over the whole site.

The County Gazette revealed this week that Somerset West and Taunton Council is planning to convert the Tower Street plot into a car park.

But there is uncertainty over what the site will be used for in the long-term.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, SWT executive member for assets, the plan is to "generate income in the short term", while "permanent development options" are considered.

“In March 2020 First Bus Group/Buses of Somerset made an operational decision to vacate Taunton Bus Station in Tower Street," said Cllr Kravis.

"As existing owner of a significant part of the site, Somerset West and Taunton Council negotiated to consolidate its ownership.

"The business case to purchase was approved through full council in January 2020 including options to generate income in the short term, whilst more permanent development options are appraised.

"The short term plan to open the relevant sections of the site as a temporary car park will require a change of use application through the local planning authority, and will include EV charging points.

"In the interim, First Bus Group have been leasing some of the hard standing for bus layovers, and structural surveys and repairs of the buildings have taken place."

In a report to full council next week, Cllr Kravis says the pre-planning application design process has been delayed "to allow for further consideration of the infrastructure requirements of equipment and car park layout, including the potential for electric vehicle charging points".

The council is also looking to attract users to rent out the buildings on the site.

It is believed that SWT splashed out a six-figure sum to buy First Bus Group's share of the bus station site.

Converting it into a temporary car park could raise an estimated £150,000 a year.

It is believed that converting the area into a hospitality, food and drink quarter to complement the Castle Green 'cultural quarter' has been one of the options looked into.

READ MORE: Car park plans for former Taunton Bus Station.