2 dwellings, flood zone site at Land Adjacent To Chapel Road, Bridgwater

2 dwellings on former agricultural land

The application proposed erecting 2 dwellings on the site of existing agricultural buildings, which would be demolished.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was for the approval for the erection of 2no. dwellings, on site of existing agricultural buildings (to be demolished).”

Minutes

Objectors raised flood risk and access concerns

Four objectors cited a history of severe flooding, an unmet sequential flood-risk test, drainage maintenance concerns, and a poor-condition private access road.

“Emphasised the site’s location in Flood Zone 3 and referenced severe past flooding in Foregate and Moreland, highlighted the 2014 floods that caused major property damage and displacement. • Highlighted that Flood Zone 3 remained highly vulnerable, with climate change increasing risk and that the development would expose more residents to potential harm.”

“Expressed concerns about overlooking and the loss of amenity for neighbouring properties and how the design was out of keeping with the traditional cottages in the area. • Questioned the validity of the fallback Class Q approval, argued that the barns may not have been in use for decades, but the fallback should not justify new development in a high-risk area.”

Minutes

A councillor spoke as a public speaker in support

Councillor Alan Bradford, speaking as a public speaker, said the scheme would tidy up a poor-condition site and enhance the area, despite acknowledging past flooding.

“The Committee were addressed by Councillor Alan Bradford who was in attendance as a public speaker whose comments included:”

“Highlighted the application would bring new life into the area which had seen little development for years. • Acknowledged past flooding. • Noted that a similar development had occurred near the location without issues, and how the application, if developed, would be on the same plateau as the other recent builds. • Expressed how the need to tidy up the site, which was currently in poor condition, noted how the application would enhance the area.”

Minutes

Who spoke

Four objectors, a councillor speaking as a public speaker, and the planning agent addressed the committee.

The fallback permission and design

Councillors said an existing fallback approval for two dwellings established the principle of residential development, making refusal difficult, while some saw the new design as an improvement.

“Councillors discussed the existing Class Q approval for two dwellings on the site; Councillors recognised the fallback position established the principle of residential development making it difficult to refuse the application. • Noted that the new proposal would not increase the number of dwellings and could offer a better design and improved amenity compared to the fallback.”

Minutes

Councillors voted to approve

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which carried 9 votes to 2 with no abstentions.

“After deliberations Councillor Martin proposed to grant permission in accordance with Officers’ recommendations. This was seconded by Councillor Bolt.”

“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