This meeting was scheduled to discuss three planning applications in detail. The meeting also included the scheduled receipt of apologies for absence and declarations of interest, scheduled confirmation of minutes of the previous meeting, a scheduled public question time, and the scheduled noting of appeal reports.

37/24/00020 Land to the South of, Bisgood Cottages, Somerset Bridge, Bridgwater, TA6

This application requested permission to build a two-storey, two-bedroom detached house on land to the south of Bisgood Cottages, Bridgwater.

The application was referred to the committee from the Chair/Vice Chair because of concerns regarding access. Access to the site is from Squibbers Way, along a narrow access road called Somerset Bridge that serves 14 other homes. This road also traverses a narrow railway bridge. The report pack states that the road is unadopted, and that it is an ongoing situation that... there is no knowledge as to who is responsible for its upkeep . The report pack also describes how access to this property would be via a narrow underpass under the Network Rail bridge and this is only accessible by vehicles below a certain size .

The application was supported by North Petherton Town Council.

The application was opposed by Councillor Bill Revans, who represents North Petherton Ward on Somerset Council.

The application proposed to mitigate its ecological impact with tree and hedgerow planting.

The application proposed to mitigate flood risk by setting finished floor levels over 400mm above adjoining ground levels, and by incorporating a first floor refuge 300mm above the 0.5% AEP tidal event for the year 2125.

37/24/00029 Land to the East of, Bisgood Cottages, Somerset Bridge, Bridgwater, TA6

This application requested permission to build a two-storey, two-bedroom detached house on land to the east of Bisgood Cottages, Bridgwater.

The application was referred to the committee from the Chair/Vice Chair because of concerns regarding access. Access to the site is from Squibbers Way, along a narrow access road called Somerset Bridge that serves 14 other homes. This road also traverses a narrow railway bridge. The report pack states that the road is unadopted, and that it is an ongoing situation that... there is no knowledge as to who is responsible for its upkeep . The report pack also describes how access to this property would be via a narrow underpass under the Network Rail bridge and this is only accessible by vehicles below a certain size .

The application was supported by North Petherton Town Council.

The application was opposed by Councillor Bill Revans, who represents North Petherton Ward on Somerset Council.

The application proposed to mitigate its ecological impact with tree and hedgerow planting.

The application proposed to mitigate flood risk by setting finished floor levels over 400mm above adjoining ground levels, and by incorporating a first floor refuge 300mm above the 0.5% AEP tidal event for the year 2125.

01/24/00022 10A Chapel Hill, Ashcott, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 9PY

This application requested permission for the erection of a single storey extension and installation of a dormer on the East elevation of 10A Chapel Hill, Ashcott.

The application was referred to the committee because the recommendation of the planning officer conflicted with the view of Ashcott Parish Council.

The application was called in to committee by Councillor Matthew Martin, who represents King Alfred Ward on Somerset Council, because of the Parish Council's objection.

The Parish Council's objection is summarised in the report pack like this:

Object, the Parish Council unanimously objected to the application as it was felt to be overdevelopment.

The planning officer's recommendation was to approve the application because:

...it is considered that most of the proposed development could be completed under the dwelling’s permitted development rights.

The planning officer goes on to explain that the part of the planned work that is not permitted development could be constructed if the applicant submitted a prior approval application.