THE owners of a former roadside pub hope to convert a garage there into a "café and retail area".

A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council for the proposal at the former Blackbird Inn, just outside Wellington, on Wellington Road, West Buckland

The application is for a change of use of the building, which has been used as a garage and general store and is adjacent to the existing car park.

The submission to the council adds that it is applying for the retention of works already partly undertaken at the existing business, The Blackbird Hotel and Rooms.

"The proposal seeks to provide café services for take away food, combined with a small seating area, servicing those charging cars or waiting to charge their cars at the adjacent proposed car charging facility."

A separate planning application outlines plans for the electric vehicle charging area.

The applicant says the site has been carefully assessed to ensure the development has minimal impact on the neighbouring properties.

It adds that it will:

  • Provide a small business opportunity;
  • Provide the opportunity for prevention of tiredness when driving;
  • Be a development of high quality embracing current climate change preventative measures while re-using existing redundant building sympathetic to the area.