A petition has been launched against plans to convert part of the Academy building in the centre of Shepton Mallet into seven flats and a shop, and keep it as a theatre.

However, the building's owner Kevin Newton has said that many attempts have been made to make the building sustainable, and now it would be impossible to be used as a theatre again as different parts of the building had already been converted into different things.

The petition by Shepton Mallet-based Make the Sunshine CIC is looking to rally support for the building to be used as a theatre, which was previously know at the Amulet, and to persuade Mendip District Council to refuse planning permission for the conversion.

The petition, which at the time of writing (September 8) had been signed by 161 people, says: "Failed restoration attempts, poor conditions and other challenges have meant this building has now sat empty for many years.

"Planning permission has been submitted to Mendip District Council to change the use of the Amulet from a theatre into seven residential one-bedroom properties and one retail unit.

"Once finally gone we will never get this theatre or civic space back; once a change of use is agreed this building and crucial space and opportunity within Shepton Mallet will be lost.

"Please consider signing the petition below to object to the change of use in the hope that we can find a new use for this space that fulfils some of the original intentions of the building and meets the growing ambitions of Shepton Mallet and the surrounding areas."

The proposal is to convert the unused stage and backstage area of the former theatre building to seven flats, with the ground floor of the tower being converted to retail space.

It is proposed that the flats will utilise redundant space in the building, which will be separated off from the Movement Gym on the auditorium floor.

Further, the backstage space will also be converted to flats, with the current vacant space below the stage being converted to the retail unit.

Mr Newton told Shepton Mallet Nub News that he had tried many times to rejuvenate the building for artistic use but it has not been sustainable.

He said: "There have been so many attempts by the different owners to make a go of it, but none have ever been able to get enough support to keep going.

"The building now cannot be turned back into a theatre as so many parts of it have already been converted into other things.

"This application is the final piece of the jigsaw to make sure all the parts of the building are being used.

"The award-winning Movement Gym operates there, as does the Pillars 501 gin bar and there are plans to grow that business.

"We have a pre-let agreed for the retail unit if planning permission is given, which will add extra shopping opportunities for the town centre.

"Residential developments in town centres are now being encouraged and I want to make sure the building is fully utilised."

You can view the petition here.