Self-build dwelling at Penarron, New Road, West Lyng, Taunton

What was proposed

Outline permission was sought for a self-build dwelling and garage, dividing the existing curtilage with new access.

“The Planning Officer introduced the application with the aid of a presentation. The Officer explained that the application was to consider for Outline application with some matters reserved, for the erection of 1No. self-build dwelling and garage, division of existing curtilage & new access thereto, within the existing domestic curtilage of the existing dwelling.”

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Support for the application

A supporter argued the site was within an existing curtilage, not harmful, and the applicant would surrender an approved fallback dwelling.

“Believed the officer’s report contains “material errors” and fails to properly consider the applicant’s submissions. • Argued the site is within an existing domestic curtilage not open countryside, so development is not harmful. • Stated that traffic speeds are around 30mph, due to road layout constraints such as the junction and bridge.”

“Highlighted that the applicant will surrender the already-approved Class AC fallback dwelling. • Emphasised the council’s lack of a five-year housing supply, warning that refusal of such small schemes increased pressure for larger greenfield allocations. • Suggested refusal would be inconsistent with a previous approval for a similar application at Bramley Road Lane, Bridgwater.”

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Who spoke

A local councillor strongly supported the application, citing the area's sustainability and the parish council's support.

What members debated

Members disagreed over traffic speeds and concluded the visibility available fell well short of the distance needed for a 60mph road.

“Councillor Bradford drew on local knowledge and disagreed with the Officer assessment of traffic speeds, argued due to various factors vehicles do not reach 60mph. • Councillors acknowledged the logic behind the highways objection but noted the committee lacked empirical data on actual speeds. • Councillors suggested that a site visit or submission of proper speed-survey evidence would help.”

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The decision

The application was refused in line with the officer recommendation, carried by 7 votes to 2.

“After deliberations Councillor Murphy proposed to refuse planning permission. This was seconded by Councillor Grimes.”

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

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