A MEDICAL centre could be built in premises in Taunton that previously housed a waste management company.

Hesketh Healthcare has applied for planning permission to enable it to site the centre for doctors and dentists on Blackbrook Park Avenue.

The facility at two-storey Harrison House would also feature other health-related services such as phlebotomy and medical consulting services.

The building, which comes with 63 parking spaces, is currently vacant after Viridor moved out in December 2018.

Private healthcare provider Hesketh is asking Somerset West and Taunton Council for change of use permission for the building from offices to medical centre.

The company says it wants to bring "an innovative cost-effective healthcare solution" to Somerset.

A statement accompanying the application says: "It is anticipated that the centre will employ a total of 50 members of staff, including 15 part

time staff.

"The centre will be open Monday to Friday from 8am until 7pm, Saturdays from 9am until 5pm and Sundays from 10 am until 4pm."

The building would need to undergo internal alterations to divide the space into consulting rooms, waiting areas and staff rooms.

Hesketh disputes a suggestion in the council's core strategy that change of use is less likely to be acceptable within the Taunton urban area, where "employment land supply is tighter".