Meeting documents

(Councillor Shane Pledger left the meeting prior to the following application being discussed. Cllr Derek Yeomans took the role of Chairman).

Application proposal: Outline application for the erection of single storey dwelling in the garden of Compton Randle.

The Planning Officer presented the application as detailed in the agenda. She advised members that as other development had been approved in the area it was considered to be a sustainable location. It was noted the report had first been written some time ago and if members were minded to refuse the application it was recommended that reference to policies SD1, SS2 and EQ2 and the emerging plan were included in the reason.

Applicant, Mr L Wills, explained to members that the proposal would enable him to downsize, and referred to Somerset having a high, ageing population. He noted there was no hedge, an old OS map showed the site as an old orchard not farmland, and the lane already had houses along it. The site was surrounded on all sides by development and would not use land suitable for farming.

Ward member, Councillor David Norris commented it was quite a simple application and abutted the development of Compton Dundon.

Ward member, Councillor Pauline Clarke, concurred with her fellow ward member.

During a very brief discussion members expressed their support for the application. The Area Lead clarified that a couple of recent appeal decisions had deemed Compton Dundon to be a sustainable location, and there was local support for the current application. With members being minded towards approval, he suggested the justification should refer to the benefit, namely the provision of a modest bungalow and as such complies with policy SS2 and the NPPF. It was noted as all matters were reserved, conditions were only required for time limit, reserved matters, and the dwelling to be single storey.

It was proposed to approve the application, contrary to the officer recommendation, subject to the conditions as suggested. On being put to the vote, the proposal was carried unanimously.

(Voting: Unanimous in favour)