PLANS have been submitted to turn a rundown public shelter in Minehead’s Blenheim Gardens into a toilet block.

The town council, which took over the park last year from Somerset Council, wants to build new men’s and women’s conveniences, including baby changing facilities.

The project would also see the felt roof of the open aspect shelter replaced with timber shingles to improve the building’s appearance.

Planning consultant Adam Elston, of Architectural Studio SW Ltd, said the shelter on the boundary with North Road had ‘come to the point where refurbishment is necessary’.

Mr Elston said town councillors had decided there would be more benefit for the public in using the building as public conveniences than keeping a shelter which was little used.

He said: “The existing shelters are largely underused and in the past have been the subject of anti-social gatherings and rough sleeping.

“The provision of public conveniences along with security doors would make a positive contribution to the area.

“The proposed public convenience would provide more suitable facilities than the existing services, such as adequate male and female baby change areas and step free access.”

Blenheim Gardens currently has unisex and accessible toilets at its southern end, off The Avenue and Blenheim Road.

Mr Elston said: “The proposed building would be unchanged in terms of materiality and footprint.

“However, the existing modern felt roof is to be removed and replaced with timber shingles.

“The walls would be finished in panted render with all arches and details retained.

“To the rear elevation, facing North Road, there would be a series of high-level windows for ventilation.

“The front elevation would be a pair of painted timber doors for security.”

Somerset Council has set itself a target date of May 19 to determine the application.