DOCTORS at a Taunton medical centre want to make life less cramped and more comfortable for staff.

They have applied for planning permission to build an extension to the existing staff room to the rear of French Weir Health Centre.

In a submission to planners at Somerset West and Taunton Council, they say it is needed "to provide a larger staff area for the increased number of staff".

The centre in French Weir Avenue was originally built in the 1960s and has been extended several times since.

But the current staff room has not been increased in size over the years.

The application says: "The proposal is to increase the staff room to provide a sufficient and suitable space for all staff members.

"The proposed is a 22m sq flat roof extension to the staff room.

"By extending the staff room, the medical practice will have a suitably sized staff room for current number of staff.

"The existing staff room is undersized and doesn’t allow enough space for the current staff number.

"The proposed extension has been designed sympathetically, with size and mass in mind whilst also providing a better proportioned space for the staff.

"The proposed extension seeks to retain the character of the existing building by using the same materials as the existing whilst also introducing oiled red cedar cladding to a small portion of the external walls.

"The extension will complement its surroundings and look like it has always been there especially with the introduction of the oiled red cedar vertical cladding.

"The proposed extension does include large bi-folding doors and a patio area, allowing staff members to use the outdoor space that is currently being massively underutilised."