A planning application has been submitted to convert the Cheddar Valley Inn in Wells into two homes, with the design promising to preserve the building's historic character while making better use of an underused site.

The proposed development would see the 19th-century building, which sits at the corner of Tucker Street and Westfield Road, converted into a two-bedroom and a one-bedroom home. While not a listed property, the Cheddar Valley Inn is identified as a 'positive building' in the Wells Conservation Area and sits among a cluster of 17th-century listed buildings.

According to documents submitted by PLC Architects, the external appearance of the building would largely remain unchanged. Internal alterations would repurpose the former pub layout into two residential properties, with each home having its own garden and dedicated parking.

The site includes a rear extension and outbuilding, which already has planning permission pending appeal for conversion into bungalows. Landscaping plans include a shingle driveway, green verges, and new trees and shrubs along Westfield Road.

The plans note that the building was originally two separate residential dwellings before its conversion to a pub, and the new development would echo that former use.

Access to the site would remain via the existing entrance on Westfield Road, with four parking spaces and cycle storage included in the proposal.

A statement from PLC Architects said: "The proposal will result in a development which maintains the local vernacular and respects the setting of the heritage assets of the locality."

If approved, the scheme would add two new homes to the city centre, with the applicants describing the site as well-located, close to public transport, shops, schools, and green spaces.

The application is now live on Somerset Council's planning portal and open for public comment.