The Planning Committee - West of North Somerset Council met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss several planning applications and related issues. Key decisions included the approval of a mixed-use development in Wellington and the deferral of a housing project in Wiveliscombe for further information.

Planning Application 43/23/0056 - Land to the North of Taunton Road, Wellington

The committee approved a mixed-use development on land to the north of Taunton Road, Wellington. The development includes up to 200 dwellings, employment land, an internal spine road to facilitate a rail halt/station, public open space, drainage, and associated infrastructure. Key points discussed included:

• Protection of an adjacent ecology field with a bat roost, which will be part of the public open space.
• Creation of pedestrian/cycleway connections to the station car park to avoid disturbing the bat habitat.
• Highway access discussions with a supermarket and inclusion of funds for highway amendments in the viability report and S106 agreement.
• Development of Station Square as public open space with public art reflecting the Wellington Monument.

The committee resolved to approve the application subject to the completion of a S106 Agreement, approval of the shadow Habitats Regulation Assessment (sHRA), and the conditions detailed in the agenda report¹.

Planning Application 14/21/0047 - Land East of A38, South of Walford Cross, Monkton Heathfield

The committee agreed to allow more time for officers and developers to work on the referral to the committee for the application concerning land east of A38, south of Walford Cross, Monkton Heathfield. The Parish Council expressed concerns about traffic through Creech St Michael and Monkton Heathfield and the proposed crossings between the two estates. The agent confirmed ongoing discussions with Natural England and the developers. The committee supported the request for additional time and highlighted the need for developers to consider the Parish Council's comments².

Planning Application 49/20/0034 - Land to the North of Burges Lane, Wiveliscombe

The committee deferred the decision on the application for the erection of 71 dwellings on land to the north of Burges Lane, Wiveliscombe. Concerns raised included:

• Differences in layout from the Outline to Reserved Matters applications.
• Objections from the residents' association regarding drainage solutions and the need for an attenuation pond and maintenance agreement.
• The Division Member's support for local residents' concerns about the drainage scheme and car parking.

The committee resolved to defer the application to clarify issues related to Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS), open space, allotments, car parking, and the placement and types of affordable housing plots³.

Planning Application 3/37/23/001 - Land to the South of Doniford Road and Normandy Avenue, Watchet

The committee approved the reserved matters application for the erection of up to 139 dwellings and associated works on land to the south of Doniford Road and Normandy Avenue, Watchet. Local residents raised concerns about highway junction issues, additional traffic, and the need for safe access. The agent confirmed engagement with the Design Review Panel and that the road would be adopted and maintained if the application was granted⁴.

Planning Application 05/23/0030 - The Gables, Wellington Road, Bradford on Tone, Taunton

The committee approved the change of use of land from agricultural to residential for siting four gypsy pitches with associated hardstanding and the erection of two day room buildings and four bin and cycle stores at The Gables, Wellington Road, Bradford on Tone, Taunton. The Division Member voiced objections from 38 residents concerning the dangerous access near a bend on the main road. The committee supported the application, noting no significant harm to the area and no objections from Highways. An additional condition was imposed to ensure lighting would not adversely impact the area⁵.

Planning Applications 38/23/0406 and 38/23/0405 - 17 Trinity Street, Taunton

The committee approved two related applications for the change of use of part residential and part community use to full residential use at 17 Trinity Street, Taunton. The applications included the demolition of extensions, various repairs and restorations, erection of ground and first-floor extensions, a detached garage, and the installation of solar panels. There were no objections or adverse impacts on neighbouring dwellings⁶.

Appeal Decisions

The committee noted the appeal decisions for information⁷.