2 self-build homes at 22 Bath Road, Ashcott, Bridgwater

Two self-build dwellings

The application proposed erecting two self-build dwellings.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider for erection of 2No. self-build dwellings.”

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Who spoke

The planning agent addressed councillors on the application.

Design praised, but policy questions raised

Councillors liked the design and noted an existing fallback permission, but questioned the site's distance from the settlement boundary and the policy case for it.

“Councillors asked for the elevation drawing to be displayed again and commented favourably on the proposed design, noted that the houses included chimneys, unlike many modern developments. • Councillors stated they were broadly supportive of the application, particularly because there was an existing Class Q fallback permission for two dwellings.”

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Officers explained the policy and occupancy controls

Officers said the site qualified as infill near Ashcott and that self-build occupancy would be secured through a unilateral undertaking.

“Officers clarified the proposal was supported by both Policies CO2 and D9, whilst the site lay outside the settlement boundary, it formed part of a small cluster of development and could be considered under infill provisions within Policy CO2, the proposal met the countryside element of Policy D9 for self-build development because its scale and character were appropriate to the existing community, the site was considered reasonably connected to Ashcott via existing footpaths…”

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Councillors voted unanimously to approve

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

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

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

Minutes