In planning news in Radstock this week:

EE has been given the go-ahead to build new 5G masts at the Gasex Centre, in Frome Road.

Under application (20/04924/FUL) the full planning permission was granted to build three antennae, replace three existing antennae, and to install six 'Mast Head Amplifiers' (MHA) and install six 'Remote Radio Heads' (RRH) along with upgrading some existing equipment.

No changes are proposed to the existing 'stub' tower mounted on the building. The site is located within Radstock Conservation area and is adjacent to 'Radstock Railway Cutting' .

Radstock Town Council had opposed the plans on the grounds of the impact on nearby housing, that it constituted over development, and on concerns about health.

The mast application was first put in in December 2020 with the company saying that the 5G technology was absolutely imperative to ensure ultra-fast broadband mobile connectivity. The company went further saying it was necessary to support the future of the emergency services , in particular in the form of on-line consultations. In the application the company stated : " If new healthcare technologies are to be utilised, such as tele-consulting, the connection to a healthcare professional needs to be fast, uninterrupted and reliable."

In its decision the Local Authority ruled : "The proposed telecommunications equipment will result in minimal harm to the character and appearance of the Radstock Conservation Area.

Notwithstanding, the accepted benefits of improved mobile technology are considered to justify the proposed development. Furthermore, and affording great weight to the conservation of designated heritage assets, the public benefits of the proposal are considered to outweigh the identified harm to the appearance of the conservation area."

Over the local authority planning border , a proposal has been submitted to Mendip District Council for 95 homes to be built on fields in Chilcompton.

The outline planning application for the building of up to 95 dwellings with public open space, landscaping and sustainable urban drainage system on land at Hoecroft, Chilcompton, has been submitted by Gladman Developments Ltd.

The land where the new homes are proposed comprises two fields that are situated between the B3356 Naish's Cross and Rock Road to the north and east, and Stockhill Road to the west.

Of the 95 homes, 30 per cent will be classed as affordable housing, and 40 per cent of the application area will be formal and informal open space.

The site access will comprise a new junction off the B3356, and a new pavement would be created along this road.

In the application's planning statement, Gladman say: "This proposal would be deliverable in the short term and increase the supply and choice of housing within Chilcompton.

"It would contribute towards economic growth and have wider social benefits to the local community, meeting a range of housing requirements, including affordable housing. As with any greenfield site, the development will introduce changes to the area and some urbanising effects.

"Care has been taken to ensure that the perceived impact on Chilcompton is minimised and acceptable, through careful design and siting."

B&NES applications include :

Householders at 61 Spencer Drive, in Midsomer Norton, (under application 21/00657/FUL ) have applied to build a two storey rear extension.

And at 1 Royal Oak Cottages, on Old Mills, in Paulton, an application is in to build a first floor side extension (21/01046/FUL).

In planning decisions this week:

An application for a single storey extension at the bungalow at 27 Shelley Road, in Westfield (21/00076/CLPU) has been ruled lawful.

At 4 Manor Park, in Writhlington,( 21/00367/FUL) a proposal to replace the existing first floor maisonette entrance and adjoining store doors with new fire proof composite doors has been agreed.

An retrospective application over in Peasedown for a dog grooming studio at 73 Faulkland View (21/00264/FUL) has been permitted.

And a certificate of lawfulness has been issued to 10 Bath Road in Peasedown St. John, (20/04554/CLEU) which is currently being used as seven separate residential units.