Plans for Chard’s new swimming pool and leisure centre could be approved in a matter of weeks.

South Somerset District Council has made the regeneration of the town centre one of its biggest priorities, alongside similar, ongoing efforts in Yeovil and Wincanton.

The council is staging two meetings in September where its proposals for the swimming pool, leisure centre and other aspects of “phase one” could be approved.

But while Chard’s councillors will have an input at the first meeting, the final decision will be made by a separate committee later the same evening.

According to the council’s website, two meetings will be held at The Guildhall in Chard on September 3.

The area west committee – which makes major planning decisions for Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster – will meet at 6pm to discuss the regeneration plans.

Then at 7pm there will be a meeting of the regulation committee – which makes the final decision on significant applications for the whole district, and which has only three representatives from area west.

No agenda papers for either meeting have been published yet, but the council confirmed on Tuesday (August 13) that the meetings were to discuss the Chard regeneration proposals.

A spokesman said: “For both committees, the meeting will be to hear the Chard Regeneration Scheme planning application.”

The council indicated in mid-March that the regeneration scheme would be carried out in two phases.

Phase one will involve the demolition of industrial warehouses near Boden Mill, as well as stabilising ‘Building 11’ at the site’s eastern edge, behind the residential properties on Silver Street.

Boden Mill and Holyrood Mill – which are grade two and two-star listed respectively – will be retained, as will the archway at the western end.

Once the demolition has been completed, new blocks will be created for the leisure centre, an exhibition space for Chard Museum, the relocated library, and a community hub where council services can be accessed.

As well as a new swimming pool and changing village, the leisure centre will include a cafe with outside seating, a soft play area, a 60-station gym and two fitness studios, including a spin studio.

A public garden or community area will be provided south of the Boden Street car park, near a planned pedestrian access from further down Boden Street.

The Boden Street car park will remain open and be extended to provide additional spaces, but the Marketfield car park will be closed to the public during this phase to allow for construction.

Agenda papers for both meetings are expected to be published on the council’s website by Tuesday, August 27. The public are welcome to attend both meetings.