Local planning news this week in and around Midsomer Norton.

Planners have agreed that an application by 19 Highfields in Westfield,

21/00615/FUL for a porch to the front door can go ahead.

They have approved an application for a single storey rear extension at 18 Redfield Road, in Midsomer Norton (21/01005/HPD)

Meantime Mendip planners have accepted the historical report for a propose house build in Stratton on the Fosse. Archaeologists have put in a report about the site at the northern tip of the village, 26 Linkmead on Fosse Way. The application is to build a three bedroomed, house under reference 2020/0732/FUL.

Although the site lies along the Fosse Way, the principal Roman road which once linked Exeter to Lincoln, and in the past 500 bronze coins were found nearby dating from the early 4th century, there is little evidence of any medieval dwelling. Back in 1998, pupils at nearby Downside Abbey School discovered what was believed to have been a possible Roman villa nearby, and what is called in the report ' a high status building with a columned entrance.'

In planning applications locally, In other local planning news :

B&NES have been asked to lift certain conditions on the plans to build nine homes at 46 Radstock Road - details under 21/01541/COND.

At Street Record, in Pine Court, in Radstock, there is an extensive list of tree works being applied for. Details under reference. 21/01568/TCA.

There is also an application for tree cutting and pruning at Chichester Place on Waterloo Road, details under 21/01567/TCA.

In Westfield at 4 Nightingale Way, under reference 21/01545/FUL

the homeowners have put in an application to build a two storey and single storey rear extension and a wheelchair access ramp.

And in Midsomer Norton at 28 North Road, under 21/01523/FUL, there is an application to demolish an existing extension and rebuild a single storey rear extension.

Meantime the Local Democracy Reporter Stephen Sumner writes:

A developer has launched an appeal after plans to replace a closed Bath DIY store with nearly 300 retirement flats were thrown out.

Guild Living's proposals – for up to 288 flats for over 65s with care facilities plus a communal restaurant, wellness centre and gym – were rejected because of the buildings' six-storey height, aluminium-clad design and impact on the World Heritage Site.

The Planning Inspectorate will hold a public inquiry this summer to decide the fate of the plans, which were branded by one of the 190 objectors as a "ghetto for the elderly".

Others said the development looked like a "repeat of 1960s brutalism" and would "stick out like a sore thumb".

The demolition of the Homebase store in Pines Way was approved last year. It sits within the wider Sydenham Park site, which is allocated for at least 500 homes. In normal housing schemes, 30 per per cent of the properties must be affordable.

Councilors bemoaned the loss of 82 affordable homes across the site – but were told it could not be used as a reason for refusal because Guild Living had proposed a care facility so did not need to provide affordable housing.

Cllr Eleanor Jackson called for rejection. She criticised the scale, massing and design and said the development would have an unacceptable impact on the World Heritage Site.

Guild Living, part of Legal and General, said its plans would regenerate a strategic city centre site, address a pressing need for housing for older people and relieve pressure on hospitals.

In its statement ahead of the appeal, the firm said the care facility would be the first of its kind in the area and stand as an exemplar.

It said the scheme would create 260 jobs, help the council hit its housing targets and release larger family homes back into the market.

Guild Living said: "None of the council's reasons for refusal should lead to this appeal being dismissed."

The fate of the application is in the hands of the Planning Inspectorate.