Plans to increase the size of a rhyne and designated Local Wildlife Site that will form part of the next phase of the Street Business Park, have been approved by Mendip District Council.

A planning application for proposed improvement works to a rhyne to increase storage capacity on land at Gravenchon Way, Street, had been submitted by Mark FitzGerald on behalf of Canynge Bicknell (Street) Ltd.

A rhyne is a drainage ditch, or canal, used to turn areas of wetland close to sea level into useful land.

The rhyne in question is the Bullmead Ditch Local Wildlife Site, which is accessed off Gravenchon Way.

The applicant advised that these works are intended to form part of the next phase of Street Business Park, along with other rhyne improvements in due course.

These works are required to commence sooner rather than later, principally to ensure these works can be done at the same time as the approved works to the next section of road into the development.

The engineering works will ensure a more sustainable drainage solution through the creation of greater surface water storage areas, and offer the opportunity for biodiversity gains, with a planting plan provided as part of the application.

The application was supported by both Street Parish Council and the ward councillor Peter Goater who said it would be good for the environment.

In approving the application, the planning officer's report said: "Bullmead Ditch Local Wildlife Site flows through the western field in the southern extent of the site and then flows along the western boundary of the northern extent of the survey area.

"The site has been designated for its tufa stream and fast flowing ditch with rare invertebrate species. The proposed development has the potential to impact on this site.

"Following initial comments from Somerset Ecology Services, a Landscape and Ecological Management Plan and a Construction Environmental Management Plan have been submitted.

"From a review of these documents, Somerset Ecology Services are satisfied the development would adequately protect European and UK-protected species and UK priority species and habitats found on site.

"The increased surface water drainage capacity would help facilitate economic development of the neighbouring business park which includes land in an allocated employment site and is therefore supported in principle."