NEW homes near the A303, changed to Taunton’s new Aldi store and the conversion of a boat shed to provide support for autistic people are among the schemes people are trying to get planning permission for in Somerset.
Every week, hundreds of planning applications are submitted to Somerset Council for determination – and we have selected some of the most interesting proposals.
Most plans will be decided by council planning officers, using their legally delegated powers, but some of the most significant or contentious will go before one of the council’s five planning committees.
Planning committees are made up of elected councillors, but the decisions they make should be decided based on the council’s planning policies, not local politics.
Pound Road, Broadway
Harrison Brown has put forward proposals to build 47 new homes between Pound Road and Paulls Lane, at the western edge of Broadway.
If approved, the new homes will be delivered within a few hundred yards of a separate development of 35 homes on Broadway Road, which was approved by the council’s planning committee south in mid-November.
Of the new homes which are planned for this site, 35 per cent will be affordable – the equivalent of 16 properties.
The village, and its neighbouring settlement of Horton, have seen significant interest from housing developments in recent years in light of their proximity to Ilminster, the A303 and the Blackdown Hills national landscape (formerly area of outstanding natural beauty, or AONB).
In addition to the two sites on or near Pound Road, a decision is still pending on plans for up to 28 homes on the Ding Meadow, behind The Bell public house.
Revised plans for 49 homes on Broadway Hill in Horton, put forward by Galion, are currently also being considered.
Planning reference number: 23/03017/OUT
Mill Lane, Shapwick
The village of Shapwich lies north of the busy A39, between Street and Bridgwater on the Somerset Levels.
Mr D. Coombes, who owns Manor Farm, has applied to build eight new dwellings at the western edge of the village.
Half of the new homes, which wrapped around the junction of Mill Lane and Church Road, will be affordable.
Planning reference number: 43/23/00008
The Glove Factory, Old Station Way, Yeovil
The Glove Factory, which lies at the corner of Old Station Way and Summer House Terrace near Yeovil town centre, has been subject to numerous regeneration efforts over the years – including recent attempts to turn it into a restaurant.
Bee Housing has now put forward proposals to convert the entire three-storey building into flats, providing one- and two-bedroom properties to meet local need.
The site lies close to the numerous Yeovil Refresh public realm improvements which are currently being implemented, as well as the Box Factory site which could eventually be redeveloped.
Planning reference number: 23/02984/FUL
White House Road, Pawlett
Whitehouse Farm Pawlett Hams CIC has applied to convert a former boat, moored at the end of White House Road, into a disability centre which will be open four days a week.
The site lies on the eastern bank of the River Parrett, within the parish of Pawlett but also directly opposite the village of Combwich.
If approved, the centre will host a range of activities for disabled people across the former Sedgemoor area, including a memory café for dementia sufferers, a youth club and a theatre workshop.
Planning reference number: 41/23/00011
Chip Lane, Taunton
Taunton’s second Aldi store, located on Chip Lane near the Royal Mail sorting office, opened its doors to customers on October 26.
One year after planning permission was first granted by Somerset West and Taunton Council, the supermarket chain has applied to amend its delivery hours.
If approved, the store could accept deliveries after 11pm or before 6am on weekdays – something which may displace residents within the neighbouring streets.
Planning reference number: 38/23/0435
To comment on any of these applications (and others), visit www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land/view-and-comment-on-a-planning-application.
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