AN APPLICATION to install property gates along the access drive to Barrington Court has been approved this week.

It was recommended for approval as the proposed gates at Water Street (which were opposed by the Highways team and the parish council) have been removed from the application and there are no concerns raised with the gates on the main entrance to Barrington Court.

A planning document read: “The application site is within the grounds of Barrington Court, a National Trust property which comprises Grade II listed gardens and Grade I, II, and II listed buildings.

“The site is within the Barrington Conservation Area.

The application originally sought permission for the installation of property gates to two points: at the end of Water Street which shall remain locked apart from 'very occasional use,' and along the access drive to Barrington Court which shall be open from 10.30am to 5pm each day only.

“At the pre-application stage, it was proposed for there to be a turning head at the top of Water Street, but the idea was discontinued in February to avoid the excavation of a bank and the removal of a number of trees and hedgerows.

“Due to concerns raised by the Highways Authority (as well as residents and the parish council), amended plans were submitted during the course of the application to remove the gates at the end of Water Street from the proposal.

“The application now seeks consent only for gates on the main access to Barrington Court.

“The gates are intended to secure the site outside of opening hours.

“Also, along the visitor route, bollards and estate panels are also proposed to separate pedestrians from vehicles when walking from the reception point to the car parking area.”

The document also stated: “It is considered that the granting of consent would be acceptable for the erection of the gates which restricts when the public can use the existing access points and secures the long-term interests of the site which is of some significant architectural and historic significance.

“The application is referred to the chair and vice chair of the Planning Committee as there were originally objections to the application and the former South Somerset District Council deferred a decision pending further discussion on the gates to Water Street.”