INTERNAL changes to Wiveliscombe Town Hall to provide water, an accessible toilet, and a bar have been given planning permission even though the work will cause damage to the grade two listed building.

Somerset Council planning officer Gemma Webster said the reason was that the public benefit from improving the building was considered to outweigh the harm caused.

A charitable trust which reopened the town hall in 2023 and has been carrying out an ongoing restoration project said the lack of facilities restricted the number of people who could use it.

Ms Webster said because the property was listed, planners needed to weigh the proposed improvements against the desirability of preserving or enhancing the building.

She said there needed to be ‘a clear and convincing justification’ for allowing work which caused harm to it.

Ms Webster said in the Wiveliscombe case the proposal would provide a continued viable use of the building as the town hall.

It would therefore maintain a large community space for the town, ensuring sufficient facilities are on site such as toilets and running water.

Ms Webster said: “Therefore, in respect of this proposal, it is considered there are considerable public benefits which outweigh the harm identified.”

The town hall trust has now also launched its first-ever crowdfunder in a bid to raise £4,500 for a stairlift to make the first floor facility more accessible for people with mobility issues.

It has already raised £700 and hopes to reach the target by early December so Somerset Stairlifts, of Wellington, can supply and install a reconditioned stairlift in the spring.

A spokesperson said: “Whenever there is an event there are a number of people who gallantly scale the mountain of stairs to the town hall, some pausing for a breather half-way.

“But, we know there were many others who cannot even contemplate the challenge.”