WELLINGTON Town Council has submitted plans for the construction of new public toilets opposite the Texaco petrol station.

The original public toilets on Longforth Road were badly damaged in a car crash back in December 2022, and were closed for more than a year before finally being demolished in March 2024.

Wellington Town Council has applied to build a replacement toilet block in the same location, including one cubicle with baby changing facilities.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the plans shortly after Christmas, meaning construction could begin in the spring if approval is granted.

The new toilets will be within walking distance of Wellington’s two main supermarkets – Asda and Waitrose supermarket on Red Lion Court – as well as the majority of shops within the town centre.

The new block will comprise three cubicles, including a disabled toilet with baby change facilities, and a small storage room for council supplies.

Planning agent Stephen Tapp, of Exeter-based Ravenslade, said: “The council is committed to replacing the original toilets to meet with the needs of the public.

“In addition to these works, a new parking space for a council vehicle will be provided adjacent to the building on the western side to give access to the store and for the maintenance of the toilets.

“No changes will be undertaken to the highway as an existing drop kerb is available to access the hard-standing space.

“The new building footprint has a smaller overall area than the original public conveniences and it is intended that the roof run-off will be connected to the existing sewer running adjacent to the site.”

The maintenance of the new toilets will fall under the responsibility of the town council as part of a ‘devolution deal’ signed with Somerset Council, which comes into effect on April 1, 2025.

Under this deal, the town council will assume responsibility for delivering a number of services including the provision and collection of litter and dog waste bins, management and maintenance of open and public spaces, toilet cleaning, and maintenance of bus shelters.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the toilet block plans in the coming weeks.