CUSTOMERS at a Taunton town centre pub could soon be dining al fresco in a former public square outside the historic premises.

The owners of The Pitcher and Piano have applied for planning permission to convert the Cider Press Garden into an area where food and drink can be consumed.

An application for a change of use of the paved area has been submitted to Somerset West and Taunton Council on behalf of Marstons plc.

The area in question runs alongside the Corporation Street premises and is beside the footpath through to Bath Place.

The application says no permanent external fixtures or fittings would be installed.

It adds: "The area has been utilised as an outdoor seating area for a considerable number of years, comprising of an area of modern paving separated from the public square by freestanding planters.

"The outdoor dining area is accessible from either the western side entrance of the Pitcher and Piano restaurant/bar or direct off Corporation Street, via the Cider Press Garden public square.

"The outdoor dining area is easily accessible by way of level paving via a clearly defined pedestrian route from the adjoining public highway.

"The proposals do not involve any physical works to either the immediate outdoor area or to the existing listed Pitcher and Piano building, seeking only to regularise the use of the application site for an outdoor dining area."

The Pitcher and Piano, located in the town's former library, underwent a £550,000 refurbishment earlier this year

READ MORE: Pitcher and Piano re-opens after major refurbishment.