Approval given for shipping container to be used as holiday let in West Stoughton

Plans to site a shipping container at a farm in West Stoughton, to be used as a holiday let, have been approved by Sedgemoor District Council.

A planning application for the siting of a shipping container for use as a holiday let at Lime Kiln Farm, Lime Kiln Lane, West Stoughton, had been submitted by Mr Seymour.

Lime Kiln Farm is used as a cattle enterprise and has a number of traditional and modern farm buildings located to the west and north of a farmhouse.

The buildings are located off a large area of hardstanding and access track which runs around the rear of the dwelling. Beyond the site to the west is open farmland.

Prior approval has recently been granted for conversion of a number of these buildings to permanent residential accommodation.

Permission is now sought for the siting of a shipping container to be converted to form one unit of holiday accommodation.

The unit will have an exterior appearance of corrugated steel walls painted black on the east and west elevations with cargo doors on the south and large window to the north.

An area of decking will be provided outside on the west elevation, with car parking next to the container.

The unit will be located in the north west corner of the complex. Access will be via the existing track off the main road through West Stoughton, which serves the farm and buildings to be converted to dwellings.

Wedmore Parish Council supported the application, saying it allows the farm to diversify and will increase the benefits of tourism in the area.

Sedgemoor agreed, and in the planning officer's report it said: "The council's Economic Development team considered it to be a very interesting idea in a very popular destination as it offers something different and unique.

"They are keen to see high quality accommodation delivered in the district. The proposal is well thought through and with conservative assumptions and therefore there are no concerns about viability.

"In design terms the proposal is unusual, but that is part of its appeal. It is not in a prominent position and will not be visible from many public vantage points."

Only one other property in the Cheddar area was subject to any planning applications or decisions this week.

Mr J Porter had submitted three applications to determine if prior approval is required for developments at Moorhouse Farm, Southwick Farm, Mark.

He proposed building a hay barn and machinery barn, and wanted to create a reinforced concrete yard at the farm, and has now been told by Sedgemoor planning officers that formal applications for the three plans are not required.