A NEW 120-seat venue for live entertainment could open in West Somerset if Watchet Radio Museum owner Neil Wilson wins planning permission.

Mr Wilson moved the museum to the former Anchor Inn public house from its home in Tropiquaria, Washford Cross, in 2014.

Now, he wants to convert the former pub’s function room and skittle alley in Anchor Street to a venue for performing arts and also as a functions and activities space.

Mr Wilson said: “The proposal is to use the building for functions once again as well as a venue for performing arts for local theatre groups and small touring companies.

“Watchet currently lacks a venue suitable for small theatre productions and local amateur groups such as Waterfront Theatre Co.

“Take Three Girls and The Steaming Coasters could bring existing and new productions to Watchet.

“A new Watchet-based theatre company might be formed.

“In addition, the building could be hired for rehearsal.”

Mr Wilson said it was also possible the venue could be hired for professional companies involved with Somerset’s Take Art events, such as Scratch Works and Gonzo Moose.

He said the space could also be hired for keep-fit activities such as dance, yoga, and pilates.

Music events were not proposed because the town was already well catered for with other venues, although choirs might want to use the space for rehearsals and/or performances.

Mr Wilson said the new venue could also host activities linked to the Radio Museum, such as talks and workshops for schools, U3A, and other community groups and possibly re-enactment events linked to the popular 1940s Weekend.

He said the neighbouring The Cat’s Whisker restaurant might also want to make use of the space for to cater for parties larger than could be accommodated in its existing building.

The single-storey property was built as a function room and double skittle alley for the Anchor Inn in 1992 and had toilets for men and women, a bar, and a small store room used as a beer cellar.

As well as skittles matches, it was used for private parties including Watchet’s town twinning events.

Mr Wilson said it had remained unchanged since 1992 other than the addition of a porch in 2006 to mitigate noise disturbance for neighbours, and solar panels with battery storage in 2016.

He had been using it for the storage of artefacts for the Radio Museum since he bought the former pub.

Somerset Council is asking for public comments on the planning application to be received by December 28 and has set itself a target date of January 31 to make a decision on it.

The original Washford Radio Museum opened in 1993 in Tropiquaria where the BBC had its regional transmitting station, which was opened 60 years earlier.

Mr Wilson said he had created a time-line of radio and television history in the museum, depicting its development through the exhibits.

He said: “In addition, I have an extensive archive of literature, sound recordings, and service data for old equipment.

“I often receive requests for help in researching BBC history from the UK and other countries or in restoring vintage radios, and it is always gratifying that my acquisition of obsolete literature is able to help them.”