3 self-build dwellings at The Chapel House, Fiddington, Bridgwater

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was for the approval for the outline application with some matters reserved for, the erection of up to 3no. dwellings and garaging, with associated parking, curtilages and formation of new access off Whitnell Lane.”

“Objectors expressed the same points as Planning Application 28/23/00001 and that they had no additional points to add.”

“Highlighted a previous refusal for a similar development from 2023.”

“Highlighted the site could accommodate more than three houses and did not consider it overdeveloped. • Expressed how there was separation between properties which would limit the overshadowing concerns and highlighted how the proposal was infill. • Highlighted how the Committee approved the previous application. • Highlighted how after three years self-build homes could be sold as open market dwellings without any Community Infrastructure Levy being owed to the Council.”

“Councillors focused on the distinction between self-build and market dwellings. Highlighted how Local Policy (CO2 and D9) only supported self- build or custom-build as exceptions for Countryside development. • Councillors expressed how Somerset’s Policies were different to those in North Essex and that local context and policy must guide their decision.”

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