PLANNERS ignored the threat of a costly battle with a banking giant to turn down proposals to convert a listed Taunton town centre building into a food and drink outlet.

They decided the risk of increased violence from drunken yobs on the streets of the county town was reason enough to block Lloyds TSB's bid to convert its former bank in Fore Street.

Sgt Pete Yensen told the Taunton Deane Council planning meeting on Wednesday the town was already "saturated" with late-night clubs and pubs.

He said Taunton had experienced a 22 per cent increase in disorder and violence between April and August, during which time 89 people were injured, and another pub would lead to more problems.

Businessman Brian Haimes said he opposed Lloyds TSB's application on the grounds of law and order, the loss of prime retail space and because the building had no rear access.

Cllr Cliff Bishop said the building was in the centre of Taunton's trouble 'hotspot', while Cllr David Hunt said it was important to avoid worsening the "absolutely diabolical" behaviour regularly occurring late at night in the town.

Councillors also rejected an application to convert a High Street furniture shop into a Litten Tree pub, saying it would impact on the High Street as a shopping area, damage the image of the proposed Crescent development and also potentially result in more crime and disorder.