PLANS have been put forward to convert a disused 40-cover West Somerset restaurant into a two-bedroom house.

Portside Diner, in Quay Street, Minehead, has been up for sale for 18 months and the restaurateurs have since retired with the business premises left empty.

The grade two listed property near Minehead Harbour dates to the 17th century and planning consultant Adam Elston said alterations to the main dining area would be kept to a minimum with timber features and historic fabric retained.

Mr Elston, of Architectural Studio SW Ltd, said despite attempts to sell the business as a going concern, nobody was interested in taking it over.

He said: “The conversion would provide a much needed two-bedroom character property that would be added to the local housing stock.

“The loss of a café in this location would be negligible, as the Ship Aground and The Quay restaurants are nearby.

“Externally, the property would be unchanged and therefore have no effect on the appearance of the conservation area or the grade two listing status of the building.”

Webbers estate agents, which has marketed the business, said the asking price was £48,750 and turnover was between £50,000 and £100,000 for the restaurant, which had traded all year round.

The planning application will be decided by Somerset West and Taunton Council.