PLANS for a 45-pupil school in the centre of Taunton for children and adults with "additional needs" have been unveiled.

The independent special school would be in a listed building previously used for office accommodation.

Spaghetti Bridge, which officers specialist education for children and young people with additional needs, has applied for planning permission for a change of use of Silver Street House, in Silver Street, Taunton.

If Somerset West and Taunton Council approves the plans, more than 20 local people would be taken on as members of staff, according to Spaghetti Bridge.

The company's application contains a statement which says: "The school is a much needed special education provision that will embed the national curriculum into a project based curriculum model, offering an alternative and progressive educational model school for 40/45 children and young adults with special educational needs.

"The school will work closely with the local authority in supporting the pupils back into mainstream schools within the local community."

The students will participate in organising community events, fundraising for charities and other activities in a bid to improve their life skills, while local people and businesses will be encouraged to get involved.

The statement added: "The local community and businesses would also become teaching and learning places where these young people would be able to gain work placements and apprenticeships leading to full employment."

The school would have a playground, students would go on accompanied walks, shopping trips and visits to parks to encourage "self-regulation, environmental awareness and confidence", while physical education would take place in a nearby leisure centre.

Minor changes would be needed at the building, including refurbishment, installation of safety gates and fences and treatment of rising damp.