Empty Shepton offices could become flats

By Laura Linham 29th Oct 2026

Local News by Laura Linham 2 hours ago

Offices beside Shepton Mallet's Amulet Theatre could become two flats after remaining empty for a year despite efforts to find commercial tenants.

The plans cover the first and second floors of the Grade II-listed building at 9 Market Place. The ground-floor shop would retain its commercial use.

Applicant Mr P Bridgeman is seeking planning permission and listed building consent to convert the upper floors into two one-bedroom flats. The property is separate from the neighbouring Amulet, which stands to its east.

According to a statement submitted by Della Valle Architects, the previous commercial tenants left in October 2025. The offices have since been marketed for more than ten months through a local estate agent, with online listings and a sign at the entrance.

The architects say there has been very limited commercial interest, prompting the proposal to return the upper floors to housing. The building was historically used as a house and shop, an arrangement recorded when it was listed in 1974.

Dating from around 1800, the three-storey building has an arched ground-floor frontage and sash windows overlooking Market Place. Its right-hand archway provides access to the staircase serving the upper floors.

The proposed first-floor flat would measure 52.8 square metres, while the second-floor flat would provide 60.1 square metres and include a study. The architects say both would meet national space standards for a one-bedroom home accommodating two people.

Existing office partitions would largely be retained, with kitchenettes adapted to provide cooking appliances and space for a washing machine. Additional built-in storage and bathroom alterations also form part of the proposals.

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The statement says the conversion would require minimal internal changes and would leave the building's external appearance unchanged. It argues that bringing the vacant space back into use would help protect the historic property.

One parking space for each flat would be allocated in a privately owned courtyard approximately 100 metres away, accessed from the High Street. Secure bicycle storage is proposed beneath the stairs in the ground-floor lobby.

Somerset Council has yet to decide the applications. Residents can view the documents and comment through the council's planning register, using reference 2026/2072/FUL, with the associated listed building application numbered 2026/2073/LBC.