WHAT does the future hold for the iconic County Stores premises in Taunton town centre once is closes today (Saturday)?

The County Gazette can reveal that an application to convert building following its closure into a car museum has been lodged with planners.

If successful, the prime location premises in North Street would house up to 70 classic vehicles on the ground floor. The Gazette reported exclusively on the proposal last month.

On the same level there would be a range of products for sale, primarily based around the motor vehicle industry.

And also at ground level and within the basement would be a cafe, relocated from the first floor - a local bakery has already agreed to provide fresh food, including speciality cakes, for consumption on and off the premises.

The applicant, named only as Mr P. Hawkins, hopes Taunton Post Office would be retained within the building, subject to contract negotiations, although it would be relocated to the first floor. An internal lift would be restored for people unable to use the existing staircase.

Also on the first floor would be a display of classic motorcycles and associated collectables.

There would be offices on the first and second floors.

A statement provided by Greenslade Taylor Hunt, which is handling the change of use application submitted to Taunton Deane Borough Council, says: "The use of the building, retaining the retail use along with other uses that are complimentary to the town centre location, will provide a viable long term use for this iconic premises.

"The provision of the D1 Use, in the form of a classic car and motorcycle museum, will create a new visitor attraction for the town, offer people of all ages the opportunity to view up to 70 classic motor cars from private collectors that would otherwise remain behind closed doors."