PEOPLE in Taunton can soon get their shoes repaired or dry cleaning done during their weekly shop.

A council decision to block a Timpson kiosk at the Sainsbury's supermarket at Hankridge Farm has been overturned.

Sainsbury's applied in July last year to install the kiosk at the out-of-town store.

After the district council refused permission, citing its negative impact on the town centre, the supermarket chain appealed to the Planning Inspectorate.

The inspector has now ruled against Somerset West and Taunton Council, meaning the kiosk can be put in place.

Planning inspector Tobias Gethin visited the site on July 23 and has published his now decision.

He said the kiosk would not have a negative impact on the town centre, with Timpson providing assurances that its existing outlet on North Street would remain open.

Mr Gethin said: “Given its limited floor area, the concession pod would provide an ancillary facility to customers visiting Sainsbury’s and the retail park, as opposed to being a destination in its own right.

“Timpson has also indicated that it intends to keep its high street store in Taunton town centre as well as operate the concession pod at the appeal site, but does not want another store within the town centre.

“I did not observe a significant number of vacant units in the town centre on my site visit, and the evidence before me does not indicate otherwise.

“I also have little substantive evidence that the development would impact on investment within the town centre and would not be accessible by public transport, cycling or pedestrians.”

The concession stand would occupy an area of 14 square metres outside the Sainsbury’s store, and would offer services like key cutting, watch repairs and dry cleaning.

Timpson already has a concession in the Morrisons store in Taunton.