NEGOTIATIONS to create a “one-stop shop” of councils and public services for Taunton Deane’s taxpayers have been given the green light by councillors.

The process of talks paving the way for the borough council to move its offices to County Hall, home of Somerset County Council, was voted for by 29 of its 52 councillors on Tuesday night.

Deane Council leader John Williams said: “The figures demonstrate that a relocation to County Hall, and taking space there, was by far and wide the best solution for our community, not only financially, but it would create a public sector hub where anyone with business with the council could visit.

“This kind of one-stop shop is the direction in which councils are moving across the land.”

The move means the public would benefit from a sell-off of Deane House, the town council’s current home, which is currently worth “in excess of £2million”, says Cllr Williams, though the “best offer” would be sought.

“The thing is to leave it as flexible as possible for its future, for example, if somebody wanted to buy it for employment.

“It was suggested on Tuesday night that it become a major health centre for that part of Taunton because the existing health centres around the town are all under pressure in terms of space and capacity.

“Now we’ve taken the decision and know where we want to go we can investigate all the options and find the best deal for the Taunton Deane community.”