A planning application to build two homes next to the Wessex Hotel in Street has been refused by Mendip District Council.

The application for the building of two dwellings with associated access, parking and gardens on land adjacent to 1-3 High Street, Street, had been made by T and R Developments.

The proposals were for two three-bedroom homes to be built behind numbers 1-3 High Street, next to the Wessex Hotel, and accessed from Somerton Road.

The application site was previously used as an access and parking for vehicles associated with 1 and 3 High Street, but they have been acquired separately and each of these properties have been subsequently provided with their own parking areas independent of the application site.

However, in refusing the application, the planning officer said the proposed development by virtue of its siting, scale and overall design would appear cramped, unnecessarily overbearing and out of character, and harmful to the street scene and this part of the Street Conservation Area.

The report also says the proposed development by virtue of its overall design and siting in close proximity to the adjacent hotel would result in significant harm to the amenities of future occupiers through loss of privacy given the relationship with the hotel creating an un-neighbourly environment.

Planning applications in the Street area that have been submitted this week include:

Erection of extension to existing single garage to create a double garage at 82 Leigh Road, Street, has been applied for by Messrs C and D Vicker-Craddock.

Proposed works to tree/s in a Conservation Area: T1 (Apple) - Remove to ground level at 32 High Street, Butleigh, are wanted by Steven Membery.

Variation of Condition 2 of Planning Permission 35/19/00004 (Erection of dwelling and detached garage, formation of vehicular access) to add French doors and Juliette Balcony to rear (south) elevation and provide material list and datum levels to elevations has been applied for on land to the east of Paddock Lodge, Pit Hill Lane, Moorlinch.

Planning applications in the Street area that have been decided this week include:

Erection of shed for domestic and working from home related activities at 38 Glaston Road, Street, by Mr Daniel Kempf has been approved.

T1 Holm Oak - (TPO M1137) - Overall crown reduction by no more than 2 metres at Court Barn, Butleigh Court Access Track, Butleigh, by Mrs Sheila Jenkins has been approved.

Erection of single storey extension to rear (north) elevation, two storey extension to side (east) elevation and porch to front (south) elevation at 11 Bath Road, Ashcott, by Mr Bartlett has been approved.

Notice of intent to remove existing box and install a new Post Box in Bath Road, Ashcott, by Royal Mail Group has been approved.

Remove existing roofing roof tiles, remove old plastic underlay and overhaul the timber roofing structure, refix new breather membrane and relay existing tiles, renew existing leadwork, remove existing concrete render to the external walls, repair walls as necessary, recover walls in three coat lime based render or similar at 71 Broadway, Chilton Polden, by Ms Carr has been approved.