Decision details

The Chief Executive, following a consultative meeting by the Area East Committee (Informal) on the 18 May 2022, made the following decision;

That planning application 21/01051/FUL is Refused, in-line with the officers recommendation

Reason:

01.  The implementation of the proposed development would be detrimental to the long-term viability and future of The Red Lion Inn, resulting in a significant or total loss of the premises currently used as a public house that contributes towards the sustainability of the village of Babcary. In addition, the proposed development would not provide employment opportunities appropriate to the scale of the settlement, would not create or enhance community facilities and services to serve the settlement, or meet an identified

housing need (particularly affordable housing), nor would it increase the sustainability of the settlement. As such the proposed development would be contrary to Policies SD1, SS2 and EP15 of the South Somerset Local Plan and relevant guidance in the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).

02.  The proposed development would neither preserve nor enhance the character and

appearance of the Listed Building and its setting and would cause less than substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset. As such, the proposal conflicts with Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 and, in the absence of any public benefits that would outweigh such harm, is contrary to Policy EQ3 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028 and Chapter 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2021), in particular paragraphs 197, 199 and 202.

03.  The proposed creation of the new vehicular access and relocated car park and the

resultant removal of stone walling, would neither conserve nor enhance the character and appearance of the locality, by reason of the further erosion of an historic, rural street scene, and as such would be contrary to the aims and provisions of Policy EQ2 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028 and relevant guidance within the National Planning Policy Framework (2021).

04.  The siting and vehicular use of the proposed car park at the northern part of the site, in such close proximity to neighbouring dwellings, would result in a form of development that would cause unacceptable detriment to the amenities currently enjoyed by the residents of those dwellings and, as such, would be contrary to Policies EQ2 and EQ7 of the South Somerset Local Plan 2006-2028.