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

What was proposed

The scheme would demolish the showroom, build 44 dwellings and provide a public car park, accesses, parking, landscaping and improved Wyvern Court facilities.

“The proposal seeks full planning permission for the demolition of the existing showroom building, formation of a 69-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.”

“All of the dwellings are proposed to meet the NPPF’s definition of Affordable at first occupation. Car parking spaces are proposed at a minimum of 2 spaces per bungalow and house and 1 space per flat either accommodated within the plot they serve or as part of small, allocated clusters. The proposed dwellings comprise of 9No. x 2 bed flats, 18No. 2 bed houses 10No 3 bed houses, 1No 4 bed house, and 6No 3 bed bungalows.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 3.44-hectare site slopes southwards and includes a former garage, derelict buildings, a field, mature trees and neighbouring homes, countryside and an industrial estate.

“The site is located south of East Street, Crewkerne. It is 3.44 ha in size, slopes down southwards from East Street, is irregularly shaped, comprises predominantly of a field and includes a former garage and other derelict buildings on its western side. Access is obtained from East Street. The northern boundary backs onto residential gardens of existing dwellings on East Street. Open countryside lies to the east.”

“The entrance to the site lies within the Crewkerne Conservation Area (CA). The majority of the site lies outside but abuts the CA on the site’s northern and western boundaries. Opposite the site entrance is the Grade II listed 31a East Street, with further Grade II and II* buildings lying to the west. Townsend House is Grade II listed and its rear garden abuts the northern edge of the site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Public speakers and a Town Council representative spoke against the scheme, while the agent supported it by highlighting affordable homes, parking and transport improvements.

The committee’s debate

Members recognised the effects on residents but considered them outweighed by the proposed car park and 44 affordable homes.

“In response to a question from a member who remembered that the site had some archaeological significance, the Planning Officer advised that archaeological assessments have been undertaken as part of the consultation process, but that this will be investigated further in light of comments made by South West Heritage Trust. • The site is not allocated in the South Somerset District Council Local Plan.”

“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 vote

The committee approved the application on a motion proposed by Councillor Stanton and seconded by Councillor Patrick, by 8 votes to 2 with 1 abstention.

“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