STARBUCKS is planning to return to Taunton - just weeks after quitting the town centre.

The company is hoping to construct a new coffee shop/cafe with a drive through lane on the edge of the county town.

It has put in a planning application for the development on Deane Retail Park, off Hankridge Way, and near the M5.

The outlet would be sited on car parking spaces near Sainsbury's and three other retail units.

The Starbucks cafe behind The Market House in Taunton town centre closed and fixtures and fittings were removed from the building just last month.

A statement with the planning application submitted to Somerset West and Taunton Council planners says: "The design proposals have been developed having due regard to the particular location, characteristics and constraints of the site and to meet the relevant functional requirements of the building and end user.

"The development is accessible to pedestrians and all forms of transport.

"The new building has been designed to be attractive and modern in appearance and robust and durable materials have been selected for aesthetic quality, low maintenance and sustainability."