A former factory within a Frome industrial estate could soon be re-purposed as a takeaway pizza outlet.

Caprinos Pizza Ltd. has applied for permission to convert the former Ben Chairs Factory showroom site on Manor Road in Frome into its first takeaway pizza outlet in Somerset.

The company – which is based in Didcot in Oxfordshire – already operates dozens of franchised takeaways across the UK, with the nearest existing branch being in Westbury, just over the border in Wiltshire.

Mendip District Council is expected to make a decision on the plans by the beginning of the summer.

The site lies in the heart of the Manor Road industrial area, a short distance from the site where the council refused plans for a new 5G mast in March.

If approved, the outlet would be open from 11am to 11pm daily (including Sundays and bank holidays), and would create the equivalent of four full-time jobs.

A spokesman for Post My Plans (representing Caprinos): "The client will promote a healthier oven-baked food offering, including both hot andcold desserts. This would be in comparison to Greggs, Subway or Domino's.

"There are other food outlets or huts located on Manor Road, but they offer a different variety of foods for both breakfast and lunch trade.

"The site currently benefits from an on-site car park to the front, which will be retained and used as a one way entry/ exit system.

"This upcoming business franchise operates throughout the country, and it must be noted that they wish to bring a healthier food offering for local businesses to benefit from during lunch hours and early evening trade."

The site lies within the Frome East division, which is being contested by the following candidates in the local elections on Thursday (May 5):

• Eve Berry (Conservative)
• Shane Collins (Green)
• Helen Kay (Green)
• Alex Lawrence-Berkeley (Liberal Democrat)
• Janine Nash (Liberal Democrat)
• Scott Ward (Independents for Frome)
• Dan Wood (Conservative)

The council is expected to make a decision by the early-summer.