The Planning Committee - North of Somerset Council are scheduled to meet on 14 October 2025 to discuss a number of planning applications, including proposals for new dwellings, a change of use for a former library, and a hot food takeaway. The committee will also receive an update on planning appeals.

Chapel House, Whitnell Lane, Fiddington

Two applications concerning land at The Chapel House, Whitnell Lane, Fiddington are scheduled to be discussed.

Application 28/23/00001 concerns an outline application with some matters reserved, for the erection of up to three self-build dwellings and garaging, with associated parking, curtilages and formation of new access off Whitnell Lane. The planning officer's report recommends that this application be approved.

Application 28/23/00002 also concerns an outline application for the erection of up to three dwellings and garaging on land at The Chapel House. However, the planning officer's report recommends that this application be refused. The reason given is that the site and location of the development is not considered to be in accordance with the Council's hierarchy and the development would not result in a sustainable location for growth as set out in Sedgemoor Local Plan policies S2 and C01 nor meet the requirements for infill housing in the countryside within policy CO2. The report also states that The proposal is also contrary to paragraphs 82 and 83 of the NPPF (2024). ¹

Land Adjacent To, Chapel Road, Fordgate

The committee are scheduled to discuss planning application 37/24/00079 for the erection of two dwellings on land adjacent to Chapel Road, Fordgate, on the site of existing agricultural buildings that are to be demolished. The planning officer's report recommends that this application be approved.

Greendale Farm, Draycott Road, Cheddar

The committee are scheduled to discuss two applications relating to Greendale Farm, Draycott Road, Cheddar. Both applications seek full planning permission for the erection of a single dwelling, described as Plot 1 (application 17/25/00021) and Plot 2 (application 17/25/00022). The planning officer's reports recommend that both applications be granted permission, subject to conditions.

The report notes that the North area cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply² and that the tilted balance³ is engaged.

Units 5 And 6, Saxon Place, Station Road, Cheddar

Planning application 17/25/00041 for Units 5 And 6, Saxon Place, Station Road, Cheddar is also scheduled to be discussed. This is an application for a change of use from a shop (Class E⁴) to a hot food takeaway (sui generis⁵), with the installation of extraction and ventilation equipment and minor external alterations. The planning officer's report recommends that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions. The report notes that concerns have been raised about the proximity of the site to local schools, but that the proposed development is within the defined village district centre, which complies with paragraph 97 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Quantock House Library, North Petherton

The committee will consider planning application 37/25/00033 for Quantock House Library, Quantock Parade, Fore Street, North Petherton, which seeks permission for a change of use and conversion of the former library to one residential dwelling.

The planning officer's report recommends that planning permission be granted subject to conditions. The report notes that the library was relocated in 2022 to an alternative site at the Community Centre. The applicant states that the unit was put up for sale in January 2024 and was advertised by GTH, and that the council's decision to sell the property on the open market indicates an acceptance of a commercial venture by an investor rather than maintaining the space for community purposes.

Land at 1 Moon Lane, North Petherton

The committee are scheduled to discuss planning application 37/24/00039 relating to land at 1 Moon Lane, North Petherton. The application seeks permission for:

• Demolition of a barn and erection of a new dwelling
• Replacement of an existing farm cottage with a new dwelling
• Conversion of an agricultural Dutch barn to a dwelling
• Demolition of a livestock building
• Provision of a shared access road
• Erection of garaging

The planning officer's report recommends that planning permission be granted subject to conditions. The report notes that the applicant, Mr A Bradford, is a councillor and member of the Development Committee for Area North.

Appeal Reports

The committee will receive a report that provides an update on appeals and appeal decisions received. The Appeals Decided between 01082025 and 30092025 document shows that two appeals were dismissed:

• An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the erection of a building to house an indoor play area, cafe and farm shop at Upper Battleborough Farm, Bristol Road, Brent Knoll.
• An appeal against the refusal of planning permission to demolish a barn and erect a self-build dwellinghouse on land at Harp Road, Brent Knoll.

The Appeals Received between 01082025 and 30092025 document shows that one appeal has been received:

• An appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the change of use of a building from a bed and breakfast and craft studio into a dwelling at Rose Cottage, Stawell Road, Stawell.