Agenda item

Application Proposal: Change of use and conversion of barn to form annexe/holiday let

The Planning Officer presented his report to members with the aid of a PowerPoint presentation. He explained that the access to the site was reached by a classified B road. He pointed out that although SCC highways had not responded in detail, the SSDC Highways Consultant was now satisfied that the improvements to the access were satisfactory.

He explained that he had an update to the report and that further ecology comments had been received which confirmed that the ecologist had no objection subject to a condition to ensure bat protection.

He further explained that he had included an additional condition to control the visibility splay.

Councillor Anna Groskop, Ward Member, spoke in support of the application. She agreed that the amendments to the access were a significant improvement and felt this this was a great location for a holiday let.

Following the short discussion, it was proposed and seconded that the application be approved, as per the officer report, subject to conditions.

On being put to the vote, this was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED:  that planning application 17/03349/FUL be approved as per the officer report for the following reason;

01.          The proposed use of the building as annexe/holiday let accommodation does not adversely affect visual amenity, residential amenity or highway safety in accordance with the aims and objectives of Policies EQ2, EQ3, TA5 and TA6 of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the NPPF chapters 7 and 12.

For the following reason;

01.       The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission.

            Reason:  To accord with the provisions of section 91(1) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

02.       The accommodation hereby approved shall be used solely as ancillary accommodation annexe or a holiday let, in connection with the main dwellinghouse known as Moor Wood Cottage Redlynch Road  Bruton, and shall not be sold or let as a separate residential unit.

            Reason:  In the interest of highway safety and residential amenity and to accord with policies EQ2 and TA5 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028

03.       The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be those as identified within the planning application, approved plans and materials details received on 19 October 2017 from the agent and no other materials unless the Local Planning Authority gives written consent to any variation.

            Reason: In the interests of visual amenity and to comply with saved policy EQ2 (General Development) of the South Somerset Local Plan (2006-2028) and the provisions of chapter 7 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

04.       The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Details and location and block  drawings received on 01 August 2017, amended visibility drawings and external materials details received from the agent on 19 October 2017 and amended drawings received by email from the agent on 21 November 2017.

                        Reason: For the avoidance of doubt and in the interests of proper planning.

05.       The visibility splays shown on the submitted plans  1117/9A and 1117/10 shall be constructed prior to the commencement of the use of the dwelling and visibility shall thereafter be retained and maintained.

Reason: In the interests of highway safety and amenity and to accord with Policies TA5 and EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan.

06.       The development shall not commence until there has been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, full details of a Bat Mitigation Plan detailing timing restrictions and protective measures to avoid, mitigate and compensate for harm to bats and their roosts.  The works shall be implemented in accordance with the approved details and timing of the mitigation plan and method statement, as modified to meet the requirements of any 'European Protected Species Mitigation Licence' issued by Natural England, unless otherwise approved in writing by the local planning authority.

Reason: For the conservation and protection of species of biodiversity importance in accordance with NPPF and Policy EQ4 of the South Somerset Local Plan, and to ensure compliance with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and The Habitats Regulations 2010.

(Voting: unanimous)