Somerset Council backs plan for new AJ Wakely and Sons branch

Somerset Council has approved a planning submission that will see the former Lloyds Pharmacy in central Chard be converted into a new branch for AJ Wakely and Sons. 

Acting on behalf of the funeral provider, applicant Ewan Steele sought permission to alter the ground floor of 59-61 Fore Street by installing stud walls to create work areas for the business. 

Prior to being used as a pharmacy, the Grade II-listed building was originally built as a house. The property sits alongside other listed buildings, including the Grade II-listed Brookside and the Grade II Monmouth House, with Chard School beyond. 

According to planning documents, the ground floor had no internal divisions, prompting the proposal to introduce partitions to separate space for operational needs.

The submitted layout includes an arrangement area, an office and reception, a mortuary, a chapel of rest, a tea station, and a toilet and changing area.

In its decision, Somerset Council said the work represented a “limited/informed intervention into the historic fabric of this listed building” and that the size, design and materials were considered to “respect the historic and architectural interests of the building”.

Approval is subject to conditions, including that work must begin within three years and follow the approved plans to protect the building’s historic character. Materials used must match those set out in the application.

AJ Wakely and Sons, established in 1897, operates as an independent family-run funeral director across the region.