Somerset Council: Neil McKeon has recently secured planning permission in Wraxall Hill, Shepton Mallet for a new residential development, which sees the demolition of a vacant public house. The scheme was designed by Morgan Design Studio.
As the application site is located outside the identified settlement boundaries, it was necessary for the application to be brought before the May planning committee.
In order to have the application determined at planning committee, it was first necessary to address the issue of increased levels of phosphates. As the proposal was for new housing in the catchment area flowing into the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar, even a single dwelling is seen as having a significant increase in phosphates contained within foul water discharge. As such, a Nutrient Neutrality Assessment and Habitats Regulation Assessment was required – for sign off by the Council’s Ecologist and Natural England.
Following an extensive consultation period on this specific issue, the phosphates impact was finally signed off, allowing the application to be brought before planning committee. Neil presented the application to the committee members and highlighted the planning merits of the proposal, which will rejuvenate this vacant site for a 7 house development and provide much needed housing to the local area. The majority of members agreed with the proposal and the Officer’s recommendation was granted approval – much to the delight of the applicant after a lengthy and complex application process.
If you have potential development site which may be affected by phosphate levels, call Pure Town Planning on 01202 585524, or email info@puretownplanning.co.uk to see if we can assist you.