Former driving range building in Cheddar given approval to continue to be used as a home

A building that was previously used as part of a driving range in Cheddar, can continue to be used as a home after planning approval was granted by Sedgemoor District Council.

A planning application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing and continuous use of part of the former driving range structure, referred to as Lavender Lodge, as a residential dwelling (Use Class C3) at Penstone, The Lippiatt, Cheddar, had been submitted by Carol King.

Mrs King purchased the freehold of the farm and associated driving range structures with her late husband, Peter King, in 1997.

Lavender Lodge was converted into residential accommodation in 2009 by Mr and Mrs King so Rebecca Smart, the applicant's daughter, could move into her own home.

She first occupied the property in October 2010. It has remained in continuous occupation as a dwelling and Ms Smart continues to live there.

Cheddar Parish Council objected to the application, on the grounds that there was a lack of amenity space for the property and that it was another residential dwelling in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but Sedgemoor District Council disagreed and have granted permission for the building to be used for residential use.

Other planning decisions in the Cheddar area that have been decided this week include:

Erection of stables with tack room and hay store at Dunnett Cottage, Rackley Lane, Compton Bishop, by Mr and Mrs Mason has been approved.

Approval of reserved matters, for the erection of single dwellinghouse and formation of vehicular access at Norville, The Causeway, Mark, by Altinok Construction has been given.

Change of use of land from agricultural to mixed agricultural and equine use and erection of a mixed agricultural and equine building at Rangali House, Longbottom, Shipham, by Mr and Mrs Spencer has been approved.

Works to Trees in Conservation Area: One silver birch – fell at Stonesteps, Church Street, Wedmore, by Mrs Starley have been approved.

Erection of single-storey rear extension, internal alterations and loft conversion at The Ferns, The Street, Draycott, has been approved.

Demolition of existing attached garage and conservatories, creation of double garage with extension of existing drive and single-storey extensions to replace conservatories and to rear at Little Paddock, Westfield Lane, Draycott, by Mr M Sweeting has been approved.