Self-build bungalow at Quercus, Common Lane, Holcombe, Radstock

The site and surroundings

The site lies behind Quercus, largely outside Holcombe’s development limits, and had been used by residents for growing plants and vegetables.

“Proposed development, Site and Surroundings…”

“The application relates to land to the rear of Quercus, Common Lane, Holcombe. The site is largely outside the development limits of Holcombe and has been used for the growing of plans and vegetables by the residents of Quercus. The site is within a low-risk historic coal mining area, the Mells Vally bat consultation zone, Minerals Consultation Area and near to a tree group with preservation orders.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

An earlier dwelling with a commercial nursery was refused for highway access reasons, while a later dwelling and garage application was approved.

“076925/003 - Erection of dwelling with garage and commercial nursery – Refused Jan 2006 – Common Lane by reason of its restricted width and substandard junction with Holcombe Hill is considered unsuitable to serve as a means of access to the proposed development. The proposed development would thus be detrimental to Highway safety and as such is contrary to policy Q3 of the Mendip District Local Plan (adopted 2002).”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Nine objections raised concerns about outlook, development limits, trees, wildlife, land use and the public right of way; four letters supported the proposal.

“In accordance with the Council’s Adopted Statement of Community Involvement application 2025/0145/FUL was publicised by letters of notification to neighbouring properties on the 31.01.2025”

“Loss of outlook for neighbouring properties • Outside development limits • Impact on nearby tree group • Impact on wildlife • The land is not garden land and remains ‘agricultural’ • Impact on public right of way. • Personal circumstances should not be taken into consideration (Holcombe Parish Council meeting)”

Officer report

Who spoke

Two speakers supported the application, including a parish council representative, followed by the applicant.

The committee vote

Councillors approved the application contrary to the officer recommendation, with eight votes for, one against and three abstentions.

“Benefits of the scheme outweigh any harms identified • Personal need and family circumstances are not a planning consideration At the conclusion of the debate, Councillor Alistair Hendry proposed that the application be approved as a departure, contrary to the Officers recommendation. This was seconded by Councillor Dawn Denton.”

“RESOLVED That planning application 2025/0145/FUL be APPROVED as a departure from the development and contrary to the officer’s recommendation, as the scheme would not cause any harm to the rural character and/or appearance of the area and the benefits of the scheme were accepted to outweigh the harms associated with the site location which is just outside the defined settlement boundary for Holcombe.”

Minutes