Plans to replace bungalow with house in hamlet near Baltonsborough are approved

A bungalow in a hamlet near Baltonsborough can be demolished and a house built in its place, after planning approval was granted.

An application for the demolition of the existing dwelling and outbuildings, and the building of a replacement dwelling and outbuilding at Hillcrest, Southwood Lane, Southwood, had been submitted to Mendip District Council by Mr and Mrs Macey.

The application sought the removal of a single-storey bungalow to accommodate the introduction of a two-storey detached dwelling which would form the built edge of the hamlet along Southwood Lane.

In approving the plans, the planning officer's report said: "The dwelling is proposed to stand at a total height of 9m, which is substantially taller than the existing bungalow, standing at 5.6m.

"The footprint of the dwelling would increase from 126sqm to 262sqm. Given the relative isolation of the application site, this increase is not considered to be proportional to the street scene and surrounding area - there are no dwellings of a comparable size along Southwood Lane.

"However, the dwelling as existing is white render walling with clay tile roofing and large red brick chimneys. This design is not considered to be a traditional rural dwellinghouse.

"The materials proposed include natural stonework walling with timber boarding on the ground and first floor rear. The roof is proposed to be slate tiles.

"The high amounts of timber proposed, while uncommon, would be screened to the rear of the dwelling by the existing landscaping and the orientation of the dwelling.

"While representing a substantial increase from the existing dwelling, the design is considered to be more appropriate to the rural vernacular and the proposal is considered to be acceptable."

One other planning decision in the Street area has been made by Mendip District Council this week:

Application to determine is prior approval is required for the erection of an agricultural building for hay and straw storage at Willow Bank Farm, Fosse Way, Lydford-on-Fosse, by Mr W and Mrs S Cobden has been approved.

One planning application in the Street area has been submitted to Mendip District Council this week:

Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 5 (Archaeology - Controlled Excavation), 6 (Surface Water Drainage) on planning consent 2018/2903/FUL at Cross Keys Motor Service, Fosse Way, Lydford-on-Fosse, has been made by Mr Gary Morice.