Plans to site shepherd's hut next to wood in Ashcott are refused

Plans to site a shepherd's hut in a field next to a wood in Ashcott, have been turned down.

A planning application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed siting of a shepherd's hut for agricultural workers' welfare at Bradley Stream Wood, Stagman Lane, Ashcott, had been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council by Nigel Moore.

The land comprises Bradley Stream Wood and a small field adjoining, within which the owners have planted a small vegetable patch.

The applicant stated that a place of shelter was required in association with their agricultural use of the land - somewhere to make hot drinks and eat.

During lambing season and making charcoal it was stated in the application that it was good practice to stay on the land for the health and safety of the sheep and the charcoal burn.

However, in refusing the plans, the Sedgmoor planning officer's report said: "No further information has been provided to set out the nature and extent of agricultural or forestry operations undertaken on the holding.

"There is no evidence of any animals on the holding nor any buildings within which to house them.

"Information held by the council would indicate that most of the adjoining land is owned by different parties, so it is unclear whether the holding extends beyond this one field/wood.

"Based on the very limited information provided it is unclear what agricultural activities are undertaken that would justify the siting of a shepherd's hut."

One planning application in the Street area has been submitted this week:

Certificate of Lawfulness is wanted for the proposed conversion of an existing outbuilding to provide additional living space with associated works at Glebe Farm, Robins Lane, Burtle.

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

Development of 50m x 30m manege and timber framed, timber clad stable block at Well House, Kingweston Road, Butleigh, by Nikki Spooner has been approved.

Erection of general purpose agricultural building at 5 Church Road, Shapwick, by Mr Osborne has been approved.

Erection of detached garage/store on site of existing outbuilding (to be demolished) at Parade View, Burtle Road, Burtle, by Mr and Mrs A Jones has been approved.