As The Journal went to press on Tuesday afternoon, Planning Officers at Bath and North East Somerset have finally given the go ahead for the development of the former cinema in Midsomer Norton High Street.
Pub chain, J D Wetherspoon, have bought the building that was once the Palladium and now have permission, with conditions, to redevelop the area.
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Speaking this week, the Mayor of Midsomer Norton, Paul Myers, said: “We welcome Wetherspoon’s vote of confidence as another national brand investing in Midsomer Norton, particularly in a site, at the heart of the town, which has been derelict for such a long time. This investment also comes at a time when the town is particularly seeking opportunities to regenerate the town centre”.A decision on the application had been delayed since the summer, due to access issues and bat protection concerns, after it was discovered the bats were roosting within the building. B&NES Council had granted the chain an alcohol license earlier in the year.The Council has imposed a number of conditions upon the pub chain, which will mean it will have to submit detailed plans for landscaping, bat protection, the installation of ventilation, internal and external lighting plans before it can open. There will be no deliveries or waste collections before 8 am or after 7 pm and no tables or chairs will be allowed on the paved area of the High Street. There will also be time restrictions on the beer garden and smoking areas and doors and windows will have to be closed between 10 pm and 8 am to protect nearby residents from noise.Despite its reputation for low priced alcohol, the company has said that its main focus will be on food. It will open from 7 am - 1 am on Fridays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays and 7 a.m. - 11.30 p.m. during the week and on Sundays.