A NEGLECTED former car showroom is set to get a new lease of life.

Planners at Somerset Council have given conditional approval to convert the former Taunton Motor Company premises in Priory Bridge Road into a business selling motor parts.

They supported a change of use application for the one-time Volvo dealership site at 31-39 Priory Bridge Road.

James Holyday, of Tauntfield Ltd, sought permission for a business selling, fitting and storing vehicle exhausts, tyres, brakes and batteries with servicing, repairs and sale of vehicles with associated accessories, services and MOT testing centre.

The premises has been vacant since the Volvo franchise was relocated to Priory Way in 2018.

The application for full planning permission said: "The proposed use is very similar to the lawful and previous use which was a car showroom with an ancillary workshop and MOT testing centre.

"Planning permission is required because car sales will no longer be the primary use of the site.

"The proposed uses will apply to both the existing buildings on site and the forecourt area."

There are no physical alterations proposed to the site other than the repair and restoration of the buildings and the site in general "to improve its appearance".

The two vehicular accesses will be retained, while 12 car parking spaces will be provided.

The statement added: "The proposed use of the site is very similar in nature to the lawful use with the exception that car sales will no longer be the primary use, albeit an element of this use will be retained.

"The change of use will bring the site back into active use, which will have associated economic benefits for the local area including job creation.

"The appearance of the site will be improved having become rundown since it has been vacant, the buildings will be repaired and restored where required, which will improve the overall street scene."