Plans to build three single-storey homes in Butleigh have been refused by Mendip District Council.

An application for outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the building of three single-storey dwellings with associated garages, and formation of vehicular access, on land to the south of Barton Road, Butleigh, had been submitted by Mr R Adeney.

The application site is a rectangular piece of open meadow located on the south side of Barton Road, to the west of Hunters Lodge.

There are houses in close proximity, but the site lies in open countryside outside of Butleigh's development limits.

It also lies within a Site of Special Scientific Interest Impact Zone and the Somerset Moors and Levels Ramsar catchment area.

Butleigh Parish Council supported the proposal on the basis that it would have provided housing for the elderly.

The development was described as "market housing" in the application, which also made reference to the proposed dwellings as being "retirement bungalows".

In their report, the planning officer said: "Without a mechanism to restrict the occupancy of the dwellings (which is not proposed), they could be occupied by any age group.

"The proposed development would have an unacceptable impact on the surrounding environment, particularly with regard to unsustainable development in the open countryside, increase in phosphate pollution, and harmful visual and landscape impact."

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

Application for removal of three hedgerows and replanting in order to lay a new water main at Butleigh Court Access Track, Butleigh, by Mr Ben Sands has been approved.

Erection of single-storey front extension to two properties at 67 Grange Avenue, Street, by Mr J Stephens has been approved.

Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed erection of a garage/workshop at Greenfields, Taunton Road, Greinton, by Mr P Brandon has been approved.