THE creation of a kit car workshop, the conversion of a care home into flats and changes to a major commercial development site are among the schemes people are trying to get planning permission for in Somerset.

Every week, hundreds of planning applications are submitted to Somerset Council for determination – and we have selected some of the most interesting proposals.

Most plans will be decided by council planning officers, using their legally delegated powers, but some of the most significant or contentious will go before one of the council’s five planning committees.

Planning committees are made up of elected councillors, but the decisions they make should be decided based on the council’s planning policies, not local politics.

To comment on any of these applications (and others), visit www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land/view-and-comment-on-a-planning-application.

Haywards Lane, nr. Wellington

Anthony Hale has applied for a certificate of lawfulness to allow him to continue building kit cars in his workshop and garage on the outskirts of Wellington.

The workshop is located on Haywards Water (in the neighbouring parish of West Buckland) , not far from the Chelston Nursery and the Jurston Fields housing development off the A38 West Buckland Road.

Mr Hale owns two classic car businesses – Absolute Horsepower Ltd. and Crendon – and has been using his garage as a base for restorations and other work for ten years.

On account of the time that has passed without any council enforcement action or significant complaints from neighbours, Mr Hale wishes to formalise the garage’s use to secure the future of his business.

Planning reference number: 46/24/0003/LEW

Popham Court, Courtlands Road, Wellington

The Popham Court care home closed its doors in November 2018, but was temporarily reopened by Somerset County Council in April 2020 to free up beds in the county’s acute hospitals during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gadd Properties put forward proposals to turn the facility into 29 flats back in March 2023, but these were branded “barmy” by locals and the plans were withdrawn in May 2023.

The developer is now back to have a second attempt, seeking permission for the same number of homes within the site.

Planning reference number: 43/24/0009

Keyford Meadows, Sandys Hill Lane, Frome

The Keyford Meadows development will eventually deliver 198 homes either side of Sandys Hill Lane in Frome, along with a sizeable amount of new commercial space near the town’s Sainsbury’s supermarket and McDonald’s drive-thru and restaurant.

The outline plans for the commercial element specify that two large retail units will be provided, of which one will be food-related and the other not.

Curo has now applied to make the retail units’ uses less specific in order to attract potential tenants for the units once they are constructed.

Planning reference number: 2024/0369/NMA

South Esplanade, Burnham-on-Sea

Burnham-on-Sea Motor Boat and Sailing Club is based on the South Esplanade, sandwiched between the River Brue estuary and the Haven holiday park.

The club has applied to make a number of improvements to its facilities, including installing lifts to allow members enhanced access to the first floor.

The changes will also see an improved front terrace, refurbished toilets and more storage space on the ground floor.

Planning reference number: 11/24/00010

Greenmoor Lane, Yeovil Marsh

Woodrow Farm lies at the northern end of Greenmoor Lane on the outskirts of the small village of Yeovil Marsh.

The Hiscox family, which are based in Wells, intend to convert two of the barns on the farm into five self-contained dwellings.

The development will also see the removal of a slurry pit, which was in active use until dairy farming ceased in this location.

Planning reference number: 24/00485/PAMB