By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby
A former Pizza Hut restaurant at Wessex Fields business park could be turned into a tanning salon if plans are approved.
Pizza Hut operated from Unit 1 of Enterprise House within the Wessex Fields business park in Frome until 2020, closing its doors forever during the coronavirus pandemic.
The unit was subsequently occupied by the Dough & Co pizza company, until they in turn vacated the premises in 2022.
Consol Ltd. has now applied to convert the premises into a tanning salon with Somerset Council expected to make a final decision early in the new year.
Enterprise House’s existing tenants include the town’s KFC restaurant, the police enquiry desk and the Dorothy House Hospice Care furniture store.
Under the plans, the tanning salon will occupy the ground floor of the unit, leaving the first floor to be available for either storage or accommodation, in line with the original planning permission for the site.
The tanning salon will offer services on both an appointment and walk-in basis, similar to Consol’s existing branches in Bridgwater, Taunton and Yeovil.
A spokesperson for Boon Brown Architects, representing the applicant, said, “The site benefits from a shared customer car park with ample provision.
“The proposed solarium use would create employment for ten to 12 people across various roles.
“While some will use sustainable travel options, many combine their visit with other trips to retailers within the retail and employment park, reducing additional car journeys and supporting sustainable travel and economic activity.
“The proposed change of use is not expected to result in a significant increase in traffic to or from the site.”
The Wessex Fields commercial area will be expanding in the coming years as part of the neighbouring Keyford Meadows development, with 198 homes currently being constructed by Curo.
The council approved plans in early-November for a new Home Bargains store on Oakley Way, which will create around 100 local jobs – with a promise of another food store to be delivered further to the south in the coming years.
Further commercial development could be delivered at Frome’s southern edge if the 1,700-home Selwood Garden Community is given the green light with housing secretary Steve Reed expected to make a decision in the coming months following a public inquiry in early-August.
The council is expected to make a final ruling on the tanning salon proposals by the spring of 2026.
Pictured: The former Pizza Hut restaurant at Enterprise House on Wessex Fields. Picture by Boon Brown Architects
