A historic High Street building in Shepton Mallet could be turned into shared housing under new plans submitted to Somerset Council.

The proposal would see the upper floors of 19 High Street — currently trading as La Bella, but still widely known locally as The Wine Vaults - converted into a five-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO). The ground-floor restaurant would remain open.

The Grade II listed building would be extended at the rear, with a flat-roof dormer added to the loft. Internal changes would reconfigure the first-floor offices, while the second floor and loft would become shared residential space.

An HMO is a type of housing where five or more unrelated people live under one roof, each renting a private bedroom while sharing kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. Developers say it would create affordable town-centre housing, ideal for single residents or young professionals.

Access to the upper floors would be via an existing doorway, with the restaurant keeping a separate entrance. The front of the building - featuring ornate 19th century brickwork—would be left untouched.

Developers say the rear changes are modest and won't be visible from the High Street. No parking or cycle storage is proposed, but public bike racks and council waste facilities are available nearby.

The application is under consideration. It requires both listed building consent and full planning permission.

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