PLANS to change the use of a Crewkerne sales property were approved at a meeting of South Somerset District Council's Area West Committee last Wednesday.

The application was for a change of use from trailer sales to residential property at 52A Hermitage Street Crewkerne.

Officers recommended the plans for refusal as the property is next to a pub's skittle alley.

Present owner, Colin Cruickshank, attended the meeting to put his views forward.

He said: "The rooms are at two different levels and there are two walls, 15 inches thick, between the property and skittle alley."

He added: "An acoustic engineer concluded that he thought the building met all health requirements.

"Having worked in the property for nearly 17 years, I have never known anyone complain about noise from the pub."

Officer Chris Pulsford recommended the plans for refusal due to potential noise problems.

He said: "Whilst this building is otherwise suitable for use as a dwelling and the alterations proposed are acceptable in terms of both the conservation area and impact on neighbouring properties, the question of noise and disturbance from the skittle alley remains a significant issue."

Despite recommendations, members thought residential use would be the best solution for the property.

Ward member for Crewkerne, Cllr Angie Singleton, proposed to agree the plans.

She said: "If this is not used as a residential property, what would it be used for?

"Surely use as an industrial building would create more noise and could also interfere with the highways regulations."

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