Planning Applications

Under this section you will find details of any 'live' planning applications which have been submitted to Somerset West and Taunton Council and are within our Parish.

The Parish Council is a "statutory consultee" in the planning process and as such we have a right to comment and respond to any applications on behalf of the community. 

When we are notified of an application, it will be posted here and one of our councillors is delegated (by rota) to undertake a site visit - depending on site circumstances this may or may not be accompanied.  The delegated councillor will then report back to the Parish Council at one of our next monthly meetings (or at an extraordinary meeting if necessary) - we will then debate the issues and then agree and issue a formal response to the Planning Officer.

Where practicable, the Parish Council has decided that we will try to actively support beneficial planning and development within the parish - provided that any proposal will not have a detrimental impact on other residents or the environment.

Planning applications will be listed on this page by their reference numbers.  To find out more about the application just click the reference number which will take you to the SW&T planning application web page.

CURRENt Applications - Pending decision

Application number 10/21/0031
Erection of 1 no. treehouse to be used as holiday accommodation.
- Burnworthy Manor, Smoken Lane, Churchstanton

Application number 10/21/0029
Demolition of outbuilding and erection of 1 No. dwelling with associated works on land at Munty Cottage, Munty Lane, Churchstanton 
Response sent 13/01/2022​At this stage the parish council response is ‘No Comment’ however, the parish council would be minded to support the principal of the development in the manner proposed subject to a section 106 agreement to tie the existing house and the proposed together as one unit and subject to the final design being scrutinised by independent Design Review Panel, in the interest of protecting the AONB and ensuring good and sustainable design. 

Application number 10/21/0028
Erection of 1 No. rural workers dwelling
- Fairfield Stables, Moor Lane, Churchinford 
Response sent 13/12/2021
In principle the Parish Council are supportive of the provision of rural worker’s dwellings in cases where there is genuine functional need and the criteria for provision of such dwellings is met IN FULL.  In this case however there are substantial and significant issues that need resolution and complete revision before CPC could be encouraged to support an application in this location.For the record, the parish council are extremely disappointed in the decision of the Planning Inspectorate in respect of the expansion of the kennels owing to the ongoing nuisance issues and note that observations put forward by the Parish in that matter appear to have been entirely ignored by the inspector – none the less the Parish Council accept the inspectors decision – if not with a degree of frustration on behalf of local residents and the community in general. Churchstanton Parish Council discussed the latest proposal at length at the December meeting and resolved unanimously to object on the following basis:

• Location
• Siting & Heritage Impact
• NPPF Para 80 & AONB Status
• Design
• Failure to utilise / acquire suitable local accommodation
• Misleading details within the planning application documentation

While Para 80 of the NPPF and local plan policy allows for the creation ‘rural workers’ dwellings – which the parish council supports in principle - it does not give the applicant or their architect liberty to ignore the status of the designated landscape nor the setting of an important Grade II* listed building.  Any design must be well considered, sympathetic to its surroundings and not harm the setting of heritage assets.  The proposed dwelling will be very clearly visible within in the listed setting (from the north particularly) and represents further unsustainable residential encroachment into the open countryside outside of the nearby settlement boundary.  In the Parish council’s opinion, the building could easily be sited westwards (perhaps to the north of the kennels) to alleviate the harmful impacts on the Grade 2* listed buildings at Fairhouse Farm and the AONB generally.Aside from design and siting issues, the Parish Council are unable to support this application on the simple basis that the applicant has repeatedly failed to take up one of the numerous recent opportunities to acquire highly suitable open market property in the immediate locality (within Churchinford – i.e. within ¼ mile of the site) – either through freehold purchase or by rental.The applicant / agent has stated that there are no available properties within the locality (within half a mile of the application site). Whilst this may be true at the date of this correspondence, since September 2021, there have been no less than six wholly suitable properties on the market in the village and all have been available / suitable to applicant’s needs and are presently marketed as Sold STC (so may yet be available).  Likewise the purchase prices of these six dwellings on the open market (each without encumbrance) have been within a reasonable price range (from £190,000-£375,000) – there have been numerous other dwellings available in the locality in the £400K+ range too.  Noting that the very large proposed dwelling at ~237 sqm (GEA) (excluding the proposed garage) is likely to cost in the region of £425,000 to build (at a presently conservative cost of £1800 / sq.m), it would seem quite reasonable to expect that any one of the recently available properties would have more than adequately met the needs of the applicant – and be more viable to the business than the proposed dwelling.
Discrepancies in planning application documents:
The application suggests that there is a building (labelled temporary dwelling) on site which will be demolished to make way for the proposed.  This is not a building nor a lawful ‘temporary dwelling’ but a redundant caravan / portacabin which was relocated after the applicant installed a much larger twin unit mobile home (the actual temporary dwelling) on the site approximately 30m west of the proposed house – outside of the red lined site boundary in this case. (refer to 10/20/0012 https://www3.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/WebPages/Imaging/ViewImage/ViewImage.aspx?SRBarCode=Ty1DGuVGMr4CN8CBwT&ExtID=PDF&QC=NNWC1)If minded to approve this application the Parish Council request that SW&T are robust in ensuring that BOTH the existing ‘temporary dwellings’ (i.e. twin unit mobile home and the identified caravan) are completely removed from the site.
Design:
The proposed design of the dwelling as put forward by the applicant is considered by the parish council to be of poor quality when considered in respect of its proposed prominent position and sensitive location.  This would appear to be contrary to Section 12 of the NPPF, Building for Life guidance and National Design Guidance: not to mention Policy DM2 from the Taunton Deane Core Strategy (and Vision 4; that “Development will protect and enhance the local character and distinctiveness of high quality built and natural environment.”)  In the opinion of the parish council the proposal is not respectful of, or in-keeping with the AONB nor the setting of the nearby Grade II* Listed Property (Fairhouse Farm). The Parish Council feel strongly that the location chosen is unacceptable, by way of its prominence, landscape impact and particularly its distinct separation from the kennels which it is intended to serve.If Somerset West and Taunton Council are minded to approve the principal of the application, the Parish Council request that before doing so the applicant should be requested to participate in independent design review to enable peer reviewed consideration of the design / impact of the application (which is entirely justifiable in respect of the area’s designated status).  At present the proposal is quite evidently not ‘as good as it could be‘ (i.e. does not represent good design) and the bar for design should be necessarily high in the AONB context.Again, if the council are minded to approve this application without review, it is the parish councils strong request that the LPA do not authorise the use of stone faced concrete blockwork in the construction of this building (see https://blackdownhillsaonb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/bhaonb-housing-design-guide_publishedmarch2012.pdf).  As has been identified in previous scenarios this material (and the resulting banding / courses) is not typical of the local vernacular (which is faced chert laid as random rubble, pointed with bag rubbed lime mortar).In summary, as has been previously communicated to the applicant by the Chair and other councillors – CPC aim to maintain a positive outlook to planning applications in the parish and would wish to be in a position to be able to support the applicant in her endeavours -provided that these do not have a detrimental effect on the area.  However as with previous applications this proposal seems to be contrived / poorly conceived and will, in our opinion, have yet further harmful impact on the area.  However, with appropriately considered, sensitive design and proper consideration, future opinions may alter.

Application number 10/21/0030
Change of use of land from agricultural to domestic with formation of parking area and replacement of single storey extension to the side.
- The Old Smithy, Church Road, Churchinford 
Response sent: 13/12/2021
The parish council support this application

Application number 10/21/0025
Demolition of outbuilding and erection of 1 No. dwelling with detached garage 
- Trents Orchard, Royston Road, Churchinford 
Response sent 14/10/2021
Unfortunately, with the need for Cllr. Crabb to withdraw from the discussion due to a declaration of interest, the parish council were not quorate and cannot therefore make a formal response to this application. However, the parish council would like to make the following comments:

• The site of this application is a logical location for this new house.
• The drawing was not in keeping with validation requirements
• Those parish councillors present (although not quorate) would be in full support of this application.
• Three neighbours to the site who attended the parish council meeting were also in support of this application.

Application number 10/21/0024
Change of use of summer house from domestic outbuilding to 1 No. holiday let
- Kesel, Brimley Road, Churchstanton
Response sent 16/09/2021
The parish council support this application

Application number 10/21/0023/T
Application to carry out management works to one Ash tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Churchstanton No.1) Tree Preservation Order 1988
- 6 Fairfield Green, Churchinford 
No response required

Application number 10/21/0021
Erection of detached garage  
- Wild Wood Cottage, Churchstanton
Response sent 12/08/2021
The parish council support this application

Application number: 10/21/0013
Replacement of attached outhouse with the erection of a two storey extension to the side.  
- Lower Bere Hill Farm, Broad Street, Churchstanton
Response sent 16/07/2021
The parish council support this application

Application number: 10/21/0022/T  
Application to carry out management works to one Oak tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Churchstanton No.1) Tree Preservation Order 1988
- 5 Fairfield Green, Churchinford (TD436)
Response sent 16/07/2021
The parish council support this application

Application number: 10/20/0016
Erection of a greenhouse and relocation of car port
- Lears Farm, Downlands Lane, Churchstanton
Response sent 16/07/2021
Decision deferred to next meeting pending further information from SW&T Planning Team

Application number: 10/21/0019/LB
Replacement of windows and doors – Listed Building Consent
- Little Fayre House, Moor Lane, Churchinford
​Response sent 10/06/2021
​The parish council support this application.

Application number: 10/21/0018
Replacement of windows and doors – Full Planning Permission 
- Little Fayre House, Moor Lane, Churchinford
​Response sent 10/06/2021
The parish council support this application.

Application number: 10/21/0020
Change of use of land to domestic curtilage with erection of detached double garage on land to the rear of
​- Sylvan View, Honiton Road, Churchinford 
Response sent 10/06/2021
The parish council support this application.

Application number: 10/21/0016
Replacement of bungalow with a two-storey detached dwelling  
- The Beeches, Taunton Road, Churchinford 
​Response sent 10/06/2021
The parish council support this application.​

Application number: 10/21/0015
Erection of car port with accommodation over, landscaping work and raised patio area, removal of 1 No. shed, erection of 1 No. shed, erection of 1.8m high fencing with alterations to driveway, parking and turning area
- Bracken Lodge, Stapley Road, Stapley, Churchstanton 
Response sent 24/05/2021
The parish council support this application but not the use of cedral cladding.

Application number: 10/21/0012
Change of use of attached barn to residential, demolition of conservatory and erection of a two storey extension
- Lower Courtsmoor  Farm, Downslands Lane,  Churchstanton 
Response sent 15/04/2021
The parish council support this application.

Application number: 10/21/0008  (Application Withdrawn)
Conversion of an agricultural building into 1 No. dwelling with associated works  
- The Waggon Barn, Buttles Lane, Churchinford
 Response sent 15/04/2021
The parish council support this application.

Application number: 10/20/0016  
Erection of a greenhouse  
- Lears Farm, Downlands Lane, Churchstanton
Response sent 15/04/2021
The parish council do not object to the principal of this application, however we cannot make formal comment on this retrospective application as the submission is clearly invalid.  It includes land (red line - site boundary) which is not in the ownership of the applicant and, as such, ownership certificates are incorrectly completed / correct notices appear not to have been served.  In addition, plans and elevations are included in the application package which have no bearing on the description of the application - and it is unclear if these additional items are to be included for consideration. 

Application number: 10/21/0010/LB
Fairhouse Farm, Fairhouse Lane, Churchinford 
- Conversion of stone barn into 1 No. self contained annexe for live in carers accommodation 
 Response sent 15/04/2021
The parish council support this application.

Application number: 10/21/0009
Fairhouse Farm, Fairhouse Lane, Churchinford 
- Conversion of stone barn into 1 No. self contained annexe for live in carers accommodation 
Response sent 15/04/2021
The parish council support this application.​

Application number: 10/21/0011 
Merlands, Stapley Road, Biscombe, Churchstanton
- Change of use of land from agricultural to mixed agricultural and equine use
​Response sent 15/04/2021
The parish council support this application.

Application number: 10/20/0002 appeal 
Fairfield Stables, Moor Lane, Churchinford 
- Variation of Condition No. 05 of application 10/16/0028 to vary the wording to include 15 breeding bitches, 3 stud dogs and puppies 
Response sent 11/03/2021
We, Churchstanton Parish Council, whole heartedly support the LPA’s refusal of application 10/20/0002 
Fairfield Stables ‘Stud’ has a detrimental effect upon the community at large and expansion of the business should be forcefully resisted.  We have no doubt that the proposed increase in numbers of animals proposed to be housed at the site will have yet further harmful effect on the area – over and above the nuisance that already arises from the site. 
We object strongly to ANY further intensification of the ‘stud’ activities and have the opinion that the extant activities continued there are wholly inappropriate in this otherwise tranquil AONB setting. 
The appellant has demonstrated a continued disregard for the amenity and quiet enjoyment of the area – particularly neighbouring properties and generally to the community.  
Despite attempts to encourage the appellant to take proactive steps to improve the site and amenity of the area the daily loud barking and associated noise issues are wholly unsustainable in every sense of the word. 
If taken at face value - the proposed varied condition would result in the appellant SIGNIFICANTLY worsening the extant problems and would, if abused, allow many many more than 15 Bitches 3 stud dogs to be housed; Assuming that puppies (by common definition) are juvenile dogs up to 2 years of age and likewise assuming that an average ‘active’ breeding-bitch is capable of producing an average of 8 puppies per litter (perhaps 2x per year) – the realistic number of animals that could be housed (following the varied condition proposed) may be able to exceed 123 animals. 
Furthermore, if the proposed varied condition were abused, the proposal would not limit the appellant from housing dogs under 2 years of age irrespective if bred on site or from elsewhere… If this were the case the number of animals on site could rise yet further. 

Application number: 10/21/0007
Border Lodge, Churchinford
- Application for a Certificate of Lawful Development for the existing use of the building as a permanent residential dwelling with associated land.  
Response sent 11/03/2021
The parish council cannot confirm or deny the unlawful occupation for a period of four years or more and therefore cannot make any further comment. 

Application number: 10/21/0005
​Fairfield Stables, Moor Lane, Churchinford 
- Change of use of land to a mixed use (equine and dog exercise area)  
Response sent 11/03/2021
The parish council strongly object to the extensification of the stud business at Fairfield stables.  The joint use of land for exercising dogs and grazing horses is incompatible and the location of the land, together with its excessive scale and lack of control over animals – if allowed to run freely over the land – is likely to give rise to substantial increase in uncontrollable noise (barking) emanating from the property.  As the applicant’s agent should be aware, there is no change of use required to graze horses in any case… 
It is the parish councils view that if approved, the identified land will in fact be used in its entirety for uncontrolled free-range release of dogs and will have a corresponding detrimental effect on the tranquillity of the AONB - and particularly nearby residential amenity. 
The applicants' agent has made assertions about noise impacts of the existing stud business that are demonstrably untrue - and the extant development already has significant harmful effects on neighbouring amenity and the area – to the effect of resulting in a statutory nuisance. 
The ability to allow ‘free run’ (exercise) over the whole land area will certainly reintroduce dogs into areas adjacent to the public domain (highway to the south) – a busy / popular walking route – and as such the applicants' dogs are likely to come into near direct contact with passing people / dogs / traffic etc.  This, and likely associated territorial barking, would arise in close proximity to the nearest residential properties and seems to be poorly considered… 
The agents statement cites Para 83 of the NPPF concerning ‘sustainable’ development.  The proposed activity may well benefit the applicants' aspirations – however sustainability concerns all people and the environment as a whole.  Noting the uncontrolled harm that is likely to arise from the proposal – this cannot be considered sustainable development. 
Further, Para 84 as cited states “…In these circumstances it will be important to ensure that development is sensitive to its surroundings…” The expansion / change of use of land allowing dogs to run freely and in an uncontrollable manner will not - in any sense - be sensitive or appropriate to its surroundings.  Indeed, it would appear that no positive consideration of neighbouring property has been entertained. 
The proposed change of use identified is excessive and – if to be supported at all - a significantly reduced, sensitively designed and sited exercise area (with appropriate levels of enforceable control and clear separation from the public domain) should be sought.  For the avoidance of doubt, in the opinion of the parish council, this should be located solely to the north of the kennels only and adjacent to the sewage works. 

Application number: 10/21/0001
Bracken Lodge, Stapley Road, Stapley
- Formation of 2 No. dormer windows and erection of a shed in the garden. (retention of works already undertaken)
Response sent 11/02/2021
The parish council support the application for the dormer windows.  The parish council also support the application for the shed but on the basis that it used for domestic storage only

Application number: 10/20/0022  
Willow Lodge, Pay Wood, Stapley 
- Variation of Condition No. 02 (approved plans) and Condition No. 04 (roof light details) of application 10/20/0005
Response sent 11/02/2021
The parish council do not support this application as it is essentially seeking planning permission for something that has previously been refused with good grounding.  The parish council continue to take the view that the dormer windows are incongruous, and the change of roof angle is not in keeping with the design and aesthetics of the buliding. 

Application number: 10/20/0012
Fairfield Stables, Moor Lane, Churchinford 
- Erection of temporary dwelling (retention of works already undertaken) 
Response sent 10/09/2020 
The parish council object to this application on the basis of a failure to establish a business in three years to date, which is a break from the normal workers dwelling procedure, the site being in a location which is not within the development boundary and represents unsustainable development' 

Past applications - Now Decided

2020

Application number: 10/20/0018 - Decision of Refusal was made on 18/11/2020
Willow Lodge, Pay Wood, Stapley 
- Erection of a two storey extension on the north elevation of Willow Lodge, Pay Wood, Stapley (amended scheme to 10/20/0005) 

Application number: 10/20/0017 -  Decision of Conditional Approval was made on 19/11/2020
32 Fairfield Green, Churchinford 
- Relocation of oil tank from back garden to strip of land adjacent to boundary wall. 
Response sent 12/11/2020 
The parish council support this application 

Application number: 10/20/0014 - Decision of Conditional Approval was made on 20/11/2020
The Firs, Stapley Road, Biscombe, Churchstanton 
- Erection of First Floor extension to the rear and replacement of porch to the front 

Application number: 10/20/0010 - Decision of Conditional Approval was made on 06/11/2020
Northdown House, Drove Way, Churchinford 
- Erection of a first floor extension to the west and erection of a detached single storey building to be used as a granny annexe 

Application number: 10/20/0006 - Decision of Refusal was made on 22/10/2020 
Stapley,
Stapley Road, 
Churchstanton 
- Erection  of  an  agricultural  building  for  general  purpose 

Application number: 10/20/0009 - Decision of Conditional Approval was made on 30/11/2020
Hilliers, 
Biscombe, 
Churchstanton 
- Removal of Condition No. 04 (to allow the annexe to be used as a separate dwelling) of application 10/07/0031 

Application number: 10/19/0030 (Redetermined) - Decision of Conditional Approval was made on 14/12/2020
Merlands, 
Biscombe, 
Churchstanton 
- Change of  use  of  land  from  agricultural  to  equestrian  with  erection  of stable  block  and  formation  of  turnout  area . 

Application number: 10/20/0002 - Decision of Refusal was made on 01/12/2020
Fairfields Stables,
Moor Lane,
Churchinford
- Variation of condition no.05 of application 10/16/0028 to vary the wording to include 15 breeding bitches, 3 stud dogs and puppies

Application number: 10/20/0008 - Decision of Refusal was made on 19/08/2020
Lower Courtmoor Bungalow
Downlands Lane
Churchstanton
- Variation  of  Condition  No.  05  (agricultural  tie)  of  application  9759/1  to allow for the  bungalow to be used as an annexe/ancillary accommodation

Application number: 10/20/0005 - Conditional approval granted 31/07/2020
Willow Lodge
Pay Wood
Stapley
- Erection of two storey extension to the rear of Willow Lodge

Application number; 10/20/0007 - Conditional approval granted 14/07/2020
Westcroft
Churchinford
- Erection  of  single  storey  extensions  to  the  side  and  rear

​Application number: 10/20/0004 - Conditional Approval Granted 01/07/2020
Churchinford Road
Churchstanton
- Replacement of agricultural building for the housing of livestock

​Application number: 10/20/0003 - Conditional Approval Granted 01/07/2020
Yeo Hill Farm
Churchinford Road
Churchstanton
- Erection  of  an  agricultural  building  for  the  storage  of  straw  and  dry fodder

Application number: 10/20/0001/T
Ford House
Churchinford
- Application to carry out management works to one beech tree included in SW&TDC tree preservation order 1999

2019

Application number: 10/19/0030 (Amendment)
Merlands.www2.somersetwestandtaunton.gov.uk/asp/webpages/plan/PlAppDets.asp?casefullref=10/19/0030
Biscombe,
Churchstanton
- Change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian with erection of stable block and formation of turnout area.
Amendment
- Resiting of menage and stables in southerly direction.  Proposed outline soft landscaping.  Further clarification of finished surface for turnout area.  Submission of cross sections.

Application number: 10/19/0032
Merlands,
Stapley Road,
Biscombe,
Churchstanton
- Conversion  of  annexe  into  1  No.  dwelling 

Application number: 10/19/0031
Blackmores,
Stapley Road,
Stapley,
Churchstanton
- Erection  of  single  storey  rear  extension

Application number: 10/19/0030
Merlands, 
Biscombe,
Churchstanton 
- Change of  use  of  land  from  agricultural  to  equestrian  with  erection  of stable  block  and  formation  of  turnout  area  

Application number: 10/19/0029 - Withdrawn
​
North East  Corner of Field 8830,
Biscombe,
Churchstanton 
- Conversion  of  timber  stable  block  to  1  No.  bedroom  holiday  cottage with  erection  of  a single storey extension  to rear

Application number: 10/19/0028
Knackers Hole Lane,
Otterford 
- Formation of an earth banked slurry lagoon

Application number: 10/19/0027
Glebe Farm,
Smeatharpe Road,
Churchstanton 
- Replacement  of  an  agricultural  building  for  the  storage  of  hay  and straw

Application number: 10/19/0026
Glebe Farm,
Smeatharpe Road,
Churchstanton 
- Erection  of  an  agricultural  building  for  the  storage  of  hay  and  straw

Application number: 10/19/0033
Holiday Units at Pippistrelle House,
Smeatharpe Road,
Churchstanton
- Variation of condition No. 07 (restriction of letting period) to allow for the 3 No. units to be residential.

Application number: 10/19/0025
Trickey Warren Solar Farm,
Trickey Warren Lane,
Churchstanton
- Variation of condition No. 03 (temporary approval and reinstatement) of application 10/14/0031 to extend temporary approval from 25 years and 6 months to 40 years and 6 months

Application number: 10/19/0024
Windwhistle Farm,
Stapley Road,
Churchstanton
- Formation of an agricultural track on land

Application number: 10/19/0017
Ivylen Farm,
Staple Road,
Biscombe,
Churchstanton
- Demolition of bungalow and outbuildings and erection of 1 No. dwelling with farm office and store rooms.

Application number : 10/19/0023
Pay Farm,
Willand Road,
Churchstanton,
- Change of use of 3. No agricultural buildings to 1. No 3 bedroom Class C3 (Dwellinghouse) and associated works.

Application number : 10/19/0022
Hummingbird Care,
Royston Road,
​Churchinford
- Single storey rear extension / garden room

Application number : 10/19/0011
Fairfield Stables,
Moor Lane,
Churchinford
- Erection of dog kennel and log store