A TOWN centre bar/restaurant in Taunton is set to get a major makeover.

The Pitcher and Piano has been granted conditional approval for a series of internal improvements works.

The venue's owner Marstons had submitted a planning application with Somerset West and Taunton in November.

Major changes of the premises, which front onto Corporation Street and have a back entrance in Bath Place, include:

  • The reconfiguration of the raised seating areas;
  • Replacement of the existing seating booths with new units;
  • Replacement of the existing back bar;
  • and infill of the openings between the principal area and 1911 rear range.

The building, which used to house the town's public library until it was moved to Paul Street in the 1990s, is Grade II listed and in a conservation area.

Addressing heritage concerns, a statement accompanying the council's planning approval said the works will not cause the loss of "any historic fabric of significance and predominantly only relates to finishing materials, fixtures and fittings within the public house".

The statement added: "Overall it is considered that there would be no harm to the historic fabric, interest or significance of the listed building."

Marstons' original application said: "In general, the majority of the internal works can be classified as an update to the existing modern fit out, décor, lighting and branding of the interior of the ground and first floor spaces.

"Such changes will not have a material impact on the historic fabric of the building, being primarily associated with changes to the existing late 20th/early 21st century fit out."