NEW plans have been submitted to demolish Penlea House in Bridgwater and build a four-storey block of flats on the site.

In 2018 outline planning permission was approved for the demolition of the building, currently home to six flats owned by Sedgemoor District Council, and to create three new buildings in its place accommodating 36 flats.

However no further work was undertaken on the site, and further discussions with Sedgemoor District Council have a new plan put forward, aimed at being more 'sustainable'.

Penlea House is located within the high density residential area of Hamp, Bridgwater, and is screened from Rhode Lane by other houses.

The site is approximately 0.5 hectares in size, and is occupied by the large detached country residence known as Penlea House, which is not a listed property.

Penlea House has seen many uses over the years, beginning as the main house on a country estate before being converted into offices, stores and most recently six flats owned by Sedgemoor District Council.

However Sedgemoor District Council say the building is now 'economically unsustainable' due to its size, heating and maintenance costs.

The new application would see one block of 33 flats created, consisting of 20 one-bed flats and 13 two-bed flats, alongside 35 parking spaces and 32 parking spaces.

The applicants say the site has 'excellent transport links' to Bridgwater town centre, which it is said will allow future residents to use sustainable modes of transport such as taking the bus, walking and cycling.

Architects Quattro Design will make the building itself energy efficient through the use of modern insulation methods, triple glazed windows, efficient heating, photovoltaic panels on the roof and a heat recovery unit.

To view the full application visit the planning section of the Sedgemoor District Council website and search for the application number 08/20/00070.