PLANS to build a new home for Wincanton Men’s Shed have been revealed.

A planning application has been submitted to Somerset Council on behalf of the charity which runs The Balsam Centre, which is home to the shed, a workshop used by retired and unemployed people to socialise and work on community projects.

The charity wants to demolish one extension on the building, and part-demolish another, to be replaced by a new Men’s Shed facility.

“The first extension to be demolished is a timber shed-like structure with a link to the main building,” the application said.

“The second extension is a brick-built extension, which houses electrical equipment, that is to be retained.

“The main building will be retained and is a former garage of brick and block construction with render to the front.”

“We propose to demolish the timber extension and partly demolish the brick extension, retaining the brick wall with the electrical equipment,” it went on.

The current Men’s Shed and part of a neighbouring extension could be demolished, if the plans are approved

The new extension would have the appearance of a shed, the document details, with timber cladding on blockwork plinth and a grey roof and would not be visible from the west elevation.

“The new extension will have three two-pane casement windows to the south elevation, one two-pane casement window to the east elevation,” it added.

“The windows will either be painted timber or powder coated aluminium, in either grey or brown colour.

“There will be a door in painted timber to the east elevation.”

The application, submitted by MacDonnell Architects & Designers, said the new extension will be open plan, more suitable and safer for users, “including wheelchair users and those with disabilities”.

How the new Men’s Shed facilities could look

“The Men’s Shed has for its main purpose to give activities and teach skills to people suffering from depression, low esteem and for those suffering from dementia,” it added.

“These activities will include woodwork, arts and crafts and a repair shop.”

The plans will now be considered by council planners. For more details, and to comment on the scheme, log on to www.somerset.gov.uk and search for application reference 23/02574/FUL.