Agenda item

Proposal: Alterations and the change of use and conversion of existing workshop into a dwelling.

The Area Lead (South) presented the application, noting that the workshop had not been constructed as per approved plans as additional windows had been added. She outlined the key considerations and referred to a break in the link with the main dwelling. She advised members that two further emails in support of the application had been received.

Ms S Beaufoy, spoke on behalf of South Petherton Parish Council, and noted that after considering the application objectively, they were in support of the proposal. The site was within a catchment area for local facilities and for children to walk to school.

Mrs S Antell, applicant, commented that everything done on site had been undertaken lawfully, and she disagreed with the officer comments that the workshop had been split from the main property. The proposed alterations to the workshop were required due to a change in their personal needs and would provide a retirement home for them. She noted the proposal was a minor change to an existing building, other planning applications had been approved within 200 metres of the property, and many facilities were within walking or cycling distance.

Agent, Mr D Parkin, felt the officer had painted a bleak picture of the site. He commented the applicants rented out the existing dwelling and lived in a property nearby which was more suited to their needs. Both accesses existed and one was not new. He noted the council had been overwhelmed with letters of support from people both in and out of the parish. The proposal would provide a bungalow in Watergore, and referred to press releases about older people having the choice of where to live.

Ward member, Councillor Adam Dance, noted he supported the application, and had frequently driven past the property and always thought it was a bungalow. He commented there were 44 houses in Watergore, which had easy access to a nearby 24 hour shop at the fuel station, and a bus stop for the London service from opposite the same shop.

Ward member, Councillor Crispin Raikes, noted he did not consider that the proposal would set a precedent. He acknowledged some may view it as an unsustainable location but there was a 24 hour garage and shop nearby, and also the Trading Post within walking distance.

During a short discussion, some of the comments raised included:

·         Feel it may set a precedent.

·         Looking at history there have been a number of refused applications – it seems something has been wanted on the site for some time.

·         Planning law has changed over the years.

·         Proposal will finish the building off and help make it look less like a block building.

·         Already looks like a bungalow and cannot see any issues.

It was proposed to approve the application, contrary to the officer recommendation, for the opposite reason to that stated in the officer report.

The Area Lead (South) advised members that conditions would be required for time limit, approved plans, visibility, parking and surfacing.

On being put to the vote the proposal to approve the application was carried, 10 in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention.

(Voting: 10 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstention)