AN eyesore former bank building in the centre of Taunton could be converted into homes.

A developer has applied for a change of use permission of the vacant former NatWest premises in North Street.

48-49 North Street Taunton Ltd wants to convert the premises, which includes Mountain Warehouse next door, into four ground floor flats.

Planning permission was recently granted to convert a number of offices in the building into 16 apartments, with a further two flats on the first floor.

If permission is granted for the four ground floor flats, it would make a total of 22 homes over five floors, along with 22 cycle spaces.

A second planning application submitted to Somerset West and Taunton Council is for window replacements, external balconies and privacy screens at 48 North Street.

The NatWest closed its branch in North Street in October 2017 - and moved across the road into the former HMV store.

READ MORE: NatWest relocates across the street in Taunton.