A PLANNING application submitted to Somerset Council hopes to turn a former wedding venue near Taunton into a huge house.

It is hoped by the applicant - Prime Meridian - that Woodlands Castle in Ruishton could be repurposed to become a single dwelling, and its grounds used to become the site of a further 18 new homes.

There are also plans to construct a 70-bedroom care home within the grounds, although this is part of a separate application.

Woodlands Castle permanently closed in 2020 after serving as a wedding venue and conference centre owned by Sire Benjamin Slade.

Read more: Police discover cannabis farm at Taunton wedding venue

The applicant is seeking Somerset Council's permission to carry out the following works at the site:

  • The change of use of Woodlands Castle and outbuildings from a wedding and conference venue to a single dwelling.
  • A comprehensive programme of repairs and modernisation to Woodlands Castle and the outbuildings.
  • The demolition of the existing marquee and associated covered walkways.
  • The construction of two new dwellings on the site of the current marquee.
  • The construction of nine new houses along the eastern boundary of the site.
  • The construction of seven new houses to the south of the access from Ruishton Lane.
  • Alterations and extensions to the existing site drives, new parking, garaging and landscape alterations.

Three locations within the ground are proposed for the construction of the planned eighteen homes.

If plans are approved, the eastern boundary area would feature nine four-bedroom houses.

The 'lodge houses' area would feature a further seven homes: three four-bedroom dwellings and another four with three bedrooms.

A further two houses would be built in the proposed 'Mews' area, in addition to the conversion of the main castle building to a singular dwelling.

Only minor internal alterations are planned for the main building, which include the demolition of a modern lean-to extension to east side of the outbuildings.

It is planned that the Listed building's outbuildings will be converted to ancillary residential use, again with minimal alterations necessary.

Both vehicular and pedestrian access to the development would remain via the existing entrance on Ruishton Lane.

For more information, or to comment on the application, search reference number 31/24/0009/HYB on Somerset Council's online planning portal.