Annexe to holiday let at Harborne House, Compton Bishop, Axbridge

Annexe changing to a holiday let

The application proposed changing the use of an existing annexe to a holiday let and annexe accommodation ancillary to the main dwelling.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider for change of Use of existing annexe into holiday let and annexe accommodation ancillary to the main dwelling.”

Minutes

A neighbour objected over sewage and use

An objector said sewage problems were unresolved, the annexe had already been let out, and the change would be overdevelopment causing noise and disturbance.

“Argued that the applicant was already operating contrary to planning controls. • Claimed that the annexe had been advertised for rental accommodation from January 2026 and had been occupied for approximately six months, rather than being used solely in connection with the main dwelling.”

“Stated that there were unresolved sewage infrastructure problems associated with the property. • Argued that the sewage problem remained unresolved despite the issue having been raised approximately eleven months earlier. • Noted that only percolation testing had been undertaken so far and claimed the septic tank had required emptying twice within seven weeks.”

Minutes

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed councillors.

Drainage and intensity of use

Officers said Environmental Health were monitoring the septic tank separately, no objection had been raised, and the holiday use would not materially increase occupancy.

“Councillors sought clarification regarding claims made by the objector that the Environment Agency had advised that the application should not be approved until sewage and septic tank issues were resolved. Queried whether there was a sufficient intensification of use to justify concern about foul drainage impacts.”

“Officers confirmed the accommodation itself was not being enlarged and would contain the same number of bedrooms as the approved annexe, accepted that holiday accommodation and family occupation could result in slightly different patterns of use, but overall considered the impacts to be similar in nature to the lawful residential occupation already permitted.”

Minutes

Councillors voted unanimously to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which the committee carried unanimously.

“After deliberations Councillor Hendry proposed to grant planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Ham.”

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be granted planning permission subject to conditions for the privacy-screen and amended wording clarifying that the building is not appropriate as a separate dwelling; the final wording of these conditions to be delegated to the Chief Planning Officer in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee – North.”

Minutes