THE former headquarters of Somerset’s libraries service will be turned into town centre housing under plans approved by district councillors.

Axeus Group Ltd put forward proposals to redevelop the vacant buildings at the Morgan House complex on Mount Street in Bridgwater following the service’s relocation to Yeo Road in the same town.

The Bridgwater-based developer said the conversions would have “a minimal impact” and would “protect the building for future generations to enjoy.”

Sedgemoor District Council’s development committee voted to approve the plans on Tuesday (March 30), despite some concerns about how it would affect town centre pollution levels.

Under the plans, Morgan House will be converted into ten flats, with the ‘Old Library’ building being converted to provide an additional nine flats.

A new block of four flats will be constructed at the front of the site, and two terraces will be built to the rear with ten properties – bringing the total number of dwellings on the site to 33.

The developer has form for providing new homes in Bridgwater, having previously delivered houses at Linden Court, Market Street, Pathfinder Terrace and Redgate Street.

Bridgwater Town Council objected to the redevelopment, claiming it would lead to a loss of privacy for neighbouring residents and did not do enough to tackle climate change.

A spokesman said: “This will not only reduce the value of the nearby amenity area for future residents, but it will also have an impact on the nearby buildings, in terms of loss of privacy.

“There is no adoption of the needs of climate change, as there is no charging infrastructure in place for battery vehicles, such as cycles, mobility scooters or cars.”

Councillor Li Gibson (who represents the neighbouring Bridgwater Eastover ward) said the plans made “a good use of the old buildings” – but she raised concerns about a possible increase in pollution from more cars moving through the town centre.

She said: “I think this site is overdeveloped, but then it’s in town – most towns have got this degree of over-development.

“You’re only going to get more pollution the more you burn fossil fuels – the only time we’re going to get a reduction in pollution and the deaths from fossil fuels is when they’re eliminated.”

Councillor Alex Glassford, by contrast, said the site’s close proximity to the flagship Northgate regeneration site would provide high-quality local amenities for the proposed residents.

He said: “The Brewery Field will have ample play equipment for those living in the new development, two minutes away on the same side of the road.”

The Brewery Field will be upgraded with new play equipment and cycling facilities as part of the council’s £15M Northgate regeneration, which will deliver a new cinema, gym, bowling alley and restaurants on Mount Street.

Councillor Tony Grimes added: “They’ve done a brilliant job here – they’ve maximised the space to provide much-needed homes.

“I personally have no problem with this given its location in the town centre and the amount of people this is going to help.”

The committee voted to approve the plans by 12 votes to one, with one abstention and one councillor being absent due to technical difficulties.

A separate application to grant listed building consent for the new homes (allowing alterations to the current buildings) were approved by 14 votes to zero, with one absentee.