Former public library could be converted to civic centre for Williton

A NEW civic centre could be created in Williton following the parish council’s purchase of the village’s former public library.

Ambitious parish councillors want to convert the 3,800 sq ft red brick property in Killick Way into a mixed use civic building with a council chamber and administrative offices.

The council bought the empty library after it was relocated across the road to West Somerset House and put up for sale at £150,000 as part of a Somerset Council fire sale of assets as it tried to avoid going bankrupt.

Planning agent Oliver Flexman, of LED Architects, Taunton, said the remodelling plan would see the empty library become the parish council’s new headquarters.

Mr Flexman said: “The proposed conversion will act as a formal meeting space for the people of Williton and the surrounding area.

“The chamber will also provide a bookable gathering space for occasional private events.”

Mr Flexman said nearby public toilets were being taken bak into ownership of the unitary council as part of the library purchase deal.

Two publicly accessible toilets accessed directly from the street would therefore be included in the new civic centre, allowing the parish council to fulfil a core responsibility.

Mr Flexman said it meant the toilets would be retained in the centre of the village, which would be particularly useful when events were held in the nearby Williton Recreation Ground.

He said the conversion would involve some internal alterations to the building as well as external work, including new external doors, replacement windows and rooflights, timber cladding, signage, an accessible ramp, and alterations to access arrangements.

Mr Flexman said the application met planning policies because it supported development which would strengthen Williton’s role as a sustainable local service centre while making efficient use of existing buildings and infrastructure.