A FOUR-strong project team will be sitting down to study detailed design proposals submitted by developers for the harbourside redevelopment of Watchet's East Wharf.

The plans were received by West Somerset District Council, and a preferred developer is expected to be recommended to the council's cabinet in November, a spokesman said.

Assurances were given yesterday (Wednesday) that a proposal by Watchet Marina operator Tim Taylor was still under consideration, even though his plans were not among those listed in the four shortlisted companies.

Council spokesman John Thorne said: "Mr Taylor's proposal has certainly not been kicked into the long grass, and is still under consideration.

"It is being dealt with separately because it was not submitted under the formal exercise the council has been conducting."

He added: "It would not be fair to the four companies who submitted plans under the formal process to add Mr Taylor to the shortlist."

The shortlisted companies have all submitted plans for a mixed development including community use, retail and residential units.

Money from the sale of the site, put at around £1million, would be used on regeneration projects elsewhere in Watchet.

The project team includes the three Watchet ward members, councillors Tony Knight, Jenny Hill and David Banks, and the council's corporate director, Adrian Dyer.

For the full story see this week's West Somerset Edition of the County Gazette.