Annexe to holiday let at Shride Barn, Othery, Bridgwater

Outbuilding becoming an annexe and holiday let

The retrospective application sought change of use of an outbuilding to a residential annexe and holiday let.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider for the Change of Use of an outbuilding to annexe and holiday let (Retrospective).”

Minutes

Neighbours objected over noise and boundaries

Two objectors said a holiday let would bring more noise, overlooking and traffic than the annexe's existing use, and raised concerns about site boundaries and unauthorised works.

“Raised concern that use of the annex as a holiday let would result in increased noise and disturbance compared with a private residential use. • Argued that short-term occupiers would be more likely to generate late-night noise, impacting neighbouring residents’ amenity. • Stated that the proposal would lead to a greater level of overlooking and activity, harming their privacy, particularly given the proximity of the buildings and garden areas.”

“Questioned whether the development on the ground accurately reflected approved plans and whether this raised enforcement concerns. • Referred to uncertainty over site boundaries, including whether the correct land ownership certificates had been served. • Suggested that elements of the development encroached close to, or across, neighbouring land associated with Shride Farm.”

Minutes

Who spoke

Two objectors and the applicant addressed the committee.

Scale of the holiday let and residential amenity

Officers said the annexe already had lawful residential use, the accommodation was limited to one bedroom for up to four guests, and amenity impacts could be managed by conditions.

“Councillors discussed whether use of the annex as a holiday let, particularly on a year-round basis, represented an unacceptable intensification of activity compared with its lawful use as a residential annex. Officers confirmed that the building already has lawful use as a residential annex, established through a Certificate of Lawfulness. The application therefore concerned the change of use, not the principle or physical existence of the building.”

“Officers advised that matters of noise and behaviour could be addressed through a holiday let management plan and appropriate conditions. Officers did not consider the impact on residential amenity to be so significant as to justify refusal. • Councillors discussed the single-track access used by residential and farm vehicles serving Shrive Farm and nearby properties.”

Minutes

Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 9 votes to 0 with one abstention.

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

“Having been duly proposed and seconded the Planning Committee resolved that the Planning Application be GRANTED planning permission in line with the officer recommendation.”

Minutes