PLANS to build a permanent pavilion to preserve a 13th Century tiled pavement have been given the go-ahead after more than ten years of planning disputes.

The tile pavement at Cleeve Abbey in Washford is one of the country’s best examples of its kind and has been protected by a temporary marquee since 2005.

However, over the past 13 years, planning applications have failed to balance the protection of the tiles with the need for the design to be in-keeping with the abbey.

West Somerset Council have now granted planning permission for a permanent timber structure to be built around the tiles.

The tiles were first discovered in 1870 but were reburied for preservation purposes before being excavated again in 1950 so the tiles could be put on display.

Reburying the tiles was considered before the council settled on the most recent plans submitted.

Councillor Anthony Trollope- Bellew was at the planning meeting and was reluctant to support the designs.

“It was the least bad option.

“I didn’t like the plans for the pavilion at all, but those tiles have got to be protected.

“I think that the quality of the tiles is unique and they should be preserved.”

Ann Towers at English Heritage said “We are delighted to have been granted permission to go ahead with the project.

“The 13th century tile pavement is of real European significance.

“The real challenge has been balancing this with the need to design a building which sits comfortably alongside the existing monument of Cleeve Abbey.

“The planned timbered and louvered structure is very simple in design so that it complements rather than challenges the Abbey.

“Now that permission has been given we hope to start work on the building in the spring ahead of opening in the summer.”