AN HISTORIC cluster of Grade Two listed barns in one of the

most picturesque settings in Williton could be given a new

lease of life in plans just un-veiled.

A total of eight homes coupled with office accommodation

are planned for the Bridge Farm site in Bridge Street in a

scheme that would include the restoration of an old water wheel.

The development, put forward by the owners, the Wynd-ham

Estate, follows the retirement earlier this year of tenant

farmer Paul Gliddon.

Just over a year ago an eight-bay barn built in the 1940s

was destroyed by arsonists in a blaze that left an

estimated £500,000 trail of damage.

The barns earmarked for conversion are centuries old and

surround the 17th century listed farmhouse, which in the

proposed scheme would remain as two homes.

The Taunton-based architects Reed Holland, who have drawn

up the plans, said: "The farmhouse and barns together are

considered to form an important group of buildings that are

also visually related to St Peter's church and the church

cottages to the west."

The development would in-clude a mix of two and three-

bedroom homes around courtyards and ensure the conversion

of the mill barn and the restoration of the water wheel as

a working feature, which could also generate a limited

amount of power.

Offices would be created in one barn and part of another

considered unsuitable for living accommodation.

The site, which is in the heart of Williton's oldest

quarter, lies in the predicted one in 100-year flood plain

of the Monksilver Stream.

A number of homes that back on to it were hit by the

devastating floods that swept through the village three

years ago.

But Reed Holland said the Environment Agency had said that

in principle it would not object to the development, even

though a planned flood relief scheme for Williton was

shelved earlier this year.

The scheme is likely to be considered by West Somerset Dis-

trict planners in the New Year.