One detached dwelling at Durleigh Road, Bridgwater

One detached dwelling

The application proposed a detached dwelling with associated parking and garden areas.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was for Erection of a detached dwelling with associated vehicle parking and garden areas.”

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Objectors raised access and safety concerns

Three objectors said the narrow private lane lacked passing places, already caused reversing problems for service vehicles, and could not safely take another dwelling.

“The private lane is narrow, substandard in width, and lacks formal passing places, meaning vehicles cannot safely pass. • Risk that vehicles must reverse along the lane or onto Durleigh Road, creating conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians. • The access junction was described as substandard in width, having restricted visibility and located on a busy road with a public footpath used by schoolchildren.”

“Referenced Planning Inspectorate decisions where development was refused due to similar narrow lane and access constraints, argued this proposal was comparable or worse in highway terms. • Highlighted the lane is in separate ownership and works to improve access or provide passing places could not be secured or guaranteed.”

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A supporter and a ward councillor

A supporter said the scheme was modest and could fund lane improvements; a ward councillor said she objected to the siting, not the dwelling, given existing lane problems.

“Highlighted the site was previously occupied by a barn associated with Haygrove Farm, which has since collapsed. • The applicant retains the land and has established access rights over the private lane. • The proposal is for a single self-build dwelling, considered modest in scale. • The applicant argued that a single additional dwelling does not justify refusal on access grounds.”

“Stated she did not object to the proposal itself, but to its siting on the lane. • Highlighted that the lane already experiences significant difficulties for vehicles and services and ongoing issues with refuse and service vehicles requiring smaller alternatives. • Described the lane as difficult to navigate, particularly limited ability to turn at the end of the lane and difficulty exiting onto Durleigh Road, a busy route.”

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Who spoke

Three objectors, a supporter and the ward councillor addressed the committee.

The highways test officers applied

The highways officer said there were no recorded injury collisions, visibility was acceptable, and the added traffic did not meet the policy test of severe harm.

“Councillors highlighted the lane is narrow and difficult to use, Visibility and access onto Durleigh Road were constrained and additional traffic could worsen existing problems. Raised concern that the lane may already be over-intensified. The Highways officer clarified that the authority’s remit relates primarily to the public highway (Durleigh Road). Although the lane is private, any safety issues are still considered.”

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Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 7 votes to 3 with no abstentions.

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

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

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