Car park and 44 homes at Former Miller's Garage And Field To Rear (south) Of Nos., Crewkerne

What was proposed

The application sought demolition of a showroom, a 67-space public car park and 44 dwellings with associated access and parking.

“The Planning officer presented the application for the demolition of existing showroom building at Miller's Garage, formation of a 67-space public car park, erection of 44 No. dwellings, associated vehicular and pedestrian accesses (from East Street), parking for the dwellings, manoeuvring areas, drainage and landscaping, changes to and extension of Wyvern Court's parking areas plus provision of mobility scooter store, and with the aid of a Powerpoint presentation provided…”

Minutes

Objections

Residents and the Town Council objected over the greenfield site, density, conservation area impact, traffic congestion and housing need.

“The site is not in an allocated strategic area of growth for Crewkerne. • Previous suitability assessments undertaken by South Somerset District Council deemed the site to be unsuitable for development. • This is a greenfield site. The people of Crewkerne want all open spaces in the town to be preserved, and over 1000 local people have signed a petition for an alternative use of the site (a play park). • This is not a careful design; the layout of the site is too dense.”

“A representative from Crewkerne Town Council Planning and Highways Committee spoke against the application, concurring with all the statements made by the public speakers.”

Minutes

What the agent said

The agent said the scheme would deliver affordable homes, a free public car park, secured trees and a funded speed limit, with no statutory objections.

What members debated

Members weighed the impact on residents against the benefits of the car park and affordable homes, and sought assurance on delivery timing.

“In the debate that followed, members felt sympathetic towards the residents most impacted by the development, but felt that, on balance, these impacts are outweighed by the many benefits of the development, in particular the delivery of a much-needed car park and 44 affordable homes for the people of Crewkerne.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved in line with the officer's recommendation, carried 8 votes to 2 with 1 abstention, including archaeology conditions and a car park delivery clause.

“At the conclusion of the debate Cllr Stanton proposed to approve the application, in line with the officer’s recommendations, including the archaeological conditions, and a clause in the S106 agreement regarding the timing and delivery of the car park. This was seconded by Cllr Patrick. When put to the vote this was carried by 8 in favour, 2 against and 1 abstention.”

Minutes