MINEHEAD will have a new police station if plans to convert an empty day centre for adults with learning difficulties are approved.

Avon and Somerset Police has applied to Somerset Council for a change of use of part of the Seahorse Centre, in Stephenson Road.

The rest of the building would be used for an outreach healthcare training facility as part of a Government Levelling Up-funded Bridgwater health social academy.

Planning agent James Dix, of Kendall Kingscott, said the police station proposal included the creation of 11 car parking spaces in a compound secured with an eight feet high metal fence.

Mr Dix said: “The property has previously been occupied as a day centre for children and young adults who have disabilities.

“The proposal of this project is to form two demises within the building, one to be a police station for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, and the other to be occupied by Somerset Council as a healthcare training facility.

“This project will include the full internal refurbishment, M&E upgrades, and external fabric improvements.

“The secure compound will include the erection of a covered car cleaning canopy over two car parking spaces, which will be used for police vehicle cleaning and basic maintenance.”

Mr Dix said once people had parked, there would be appropriate signage on the shared pathways to guide them to the entrance to the part of the building they needed.

He said: “Given the building is currently vacant, we hope that the change of use and associated refurbishment works will assist with ensuring the longevity of the building.”

The new police station will replace the existing one a mile away in Townsend Road, which is only open for part of four days each week.

Somerset Council is asking for any public comments on the application to be submitted by January 1 and has set itself a target date of February 2 to decide on it.