It could soon get much easier to spend a penny in Wellington town centre if plans for new public toilets are approved.

The original public toilets on Longforth Road were badly damaged in a car crash back in December 2022, and were closed for more than a year before finally begin demolished in March 2024.

Wellington Town Council has applied to build a replacement toilet block in the same location, including one cubicle with baby changing facilities.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the plans shortly after Christmas, meaning construction could begin in the spring if approval is granted.

The new toilets will be within walking distance of Wellington’s two main supermarkets – the Asda store on Longforth Road and the Waitrose supermarket on Red Lion Court – as well as the majority of shops within the town centre.

The new block will comprise three cubicles, including a disabled toilet with baby change facilities, and a small storage room for council supplies.

Planning agent Stephen Tapp, of Exeter-based Ravenslade, said: “The council is committed to replacing the original toilets to meet with the needs of the public.

“In addition to these works, a new parking space for a council vehicle will be provided adjacent to the building on the western side to give access to the store and for the maintenance of the toilets.

“No changes will be undertaken to the highway as an existing drop kerb is available to access the hard-standing space.

“The new building footprint has a smaller overall area than the original public conveniences and it is intended that the roof run-off will be connected to the existing sewer running adjacent to the site.”

The maintenance of the new toilets will fall under the responsibility of the town council as part of a ‘devolution deal’ signed with Somerset Council, which comes into effect on April 1, 2025.

Under this deal, the town council will assume responsibility for delivering the following local services:

  • Provision and collection of litter bins and dog waste bins
  • Bedding planting
  • Management and maintenance of open spaces
  • Grass cutting (including highways verges and Rockwell Green Cemetery)
  • Maintenance and Inspection of play areas and trees
  • Toilet cleaning
  • Maintenance of bus shelters

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the toilet block plans in the coming weeks.