Plans for revised Cheddar Pump Track location are approved

A planning application for a revised location of the proposed Cheddar Pump Track has been given the go-ahead by Sedgemoor District Council.

The application for the change of use of land and the formation of a pump track recreation facility on land next to Cheddar Reservoir off Sharpham Road, Cheddar, had been submitted by Ride Mendips chairman Grant Garge.

A pump track is a circuit of banked turns and features designed to be ridden completely by riders "pumping" - generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.

The is the second application for the pump track, being a revised scheme to that granted permission in 2020.

That scheme was 75m to the south, adjoining the skate park, but a Bristol Water pipe running through the site had an easement that precluded building the approved scheme.

The site is currently open green space to the north of the rugby pitch and Sport England was consulted on application, who confirmed it would not result in the loss of, or compromise, sporting facilities.

Bristol Water confirmed the new location was acceptable, and the Sedgemoor officer said the scheme is modest in size such that visual harm is limited in scope - and significantly outweighed by benefits.

In approving the plans, Sedgemoor confirmed the proposal will increase recreational and sporting provision in Cheddar, and therefore it was given the green light.

Planning applications in the Cheddar area that have been submitted to Sedgemoor District Council this week include:

Works to Trees in Conservation Area: Reduce height of bay tree by 50 per cent, reduce height and spread of cherry tree by approximately 0.5m, reduce height and spread of apple tree by approximately 1m, reduce height and spread of lilac tree by less than 0.5m, reduce height and spread of magnolia tree by approximately 1.5m at 27 High Street, Axbridge, are wanted by Mr A Corp.

Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed formation of an agricultural track on land north of Mark Road, Chapel Allerton, has been made by Mr W Stitch.

Reduce lime (T6) (TPO Reference T1) by 2m to reduce loading on compression fork in upper crown at Greenhill House, Tweentown, Cheddar, has been applied for by Somerset Care Ltd.

Demolition of existing outbuildings and the erection of a replacement new two-storey detached farmhouse at Glebe Farm, Harp Road, Mark, is wanted by Tamlyn and Son Ltd.

Planning applications in the Cheddar area that have been decided by Sedgemoor District Council this week include:

Extension to and subdivision of existing dwelling to form two dwellings; also the conversion and extension of existing garage with ancillary accommodation above to form a dwelling, including parking provisions (revised scheme) at Ceconda, The Barrows, Cheddar, by Mr Sugg has been refused.

Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed erection of a porch to the front (east) elevation, erection of a dormer extension to rear (west) elevation and installation of Velux windows at 4 Westacre Road, Cheddar, by Mr and Mrs Webber has been approved.

Erection of single storey rear (north) and side (east) extension at Larches, The Causeway, Mark, by Mr and Mrs May has been approved.

Erection of a single-storey extension to the side (east) elevation and alterations to the dwelling, erection of carport at Laurel Farm, The Causeway, Mark, by Mr and Mrs Griffin has been approved.

Conversion of existing garage/garden store to a dwelling, erection of a single garage/store and erection of a carport and garden store at Shortlands, Shortland Lane, Wedmore, by Mr N Garley has been approved.

Erection of front (north) porch at Somersaetas, Combe Batch, Wedmore, by Leighfield and Moiser has been approved.

Application to determine if prior approval is required for the proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwelling and associated building operations at Totney Wick, Little Moor Road, Mark, by Mr R Weight has been refused.

Erection of single-storey rear (south west) extension at 9 Saxon Way, Wedmore, by Mr Smithson has been approved.