Plans to convert classroom in Cheddar into priest's home are approved

Plans to convert a classroom at the Catholic Church in Cheddar into a home for a priest have been approved by Sedgemoor District Council.

A planning application for the change of use of a classroom to a priest's dwelling at Our Lady Queen Of The Apostles Catholic Church, Tweentown, Cheddar, had been submitted by Mr R Vale.

The site previously contained three buildings which form part of the Catholic Church. To the front of the site closest to the main road is the main church building used for services.

In the centre of the site was an older pre-fabricated church hall, and to the rear is a smaller ancillary building.

Permission has recently been granted for a new church hall which is partly constructed on the footprint of the older pre-fabricated hall.

Permission has now been sought for the change of use of the ancillary building at the rear of the site to a dwelling to be occupied by a priest.

The unit will have minimal external alterations to facilitate the new use, though a new window will be constructed in the east elevation.

Internally the space will be subdivided to provide two bedrooms, and an open plan living and kitchen area.

Cheddar Parish Council supported the plans, on the condition that the dwelling remained under the ownership of the Catholic Church.

Sedgemoor planners said that ownership was not a planning matter but in approving the proposals, added a condition that the occupation of the home was limited to a person employed (or last employed) by the Clifton Catholic Diocese or affiliated religious organisations, or a widow or widower of such a person, and to any resident dependents.

One planning application in the Cheddar area was submitted to Sedgemoor District Council this week:

Works to Trees in Conservation Area: Prune and shape two bay trees (bushes) to 4-5m wide and high and removal of a yew tree branch at High Beech, Sand Road, Wedmore, have been applied for by Mr R Thorpe.

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

Change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian use, with the erection of stables/barn, store/carport and riding arena at Brook House Barn, New Road, Chapel Allerton, by Mrs Jackson has been approved.

Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing use of flat as self-contained residential dwelling contrary to Condition 9 of Planning Permission 44/13/00019 (erection of farm shop with first-floor holiday accommodation on site of existing buildings to be demolished or removed and formation of parking) at The Flat, Broadcroft Farm, Broadway, Shipham, by Mr R Wilcox has been withdrawn.

Installation of an 18 panel solar PV system split over front (south) and rear (north) roof at Gables End, Sparrow Hill Way, Weare, by Ms Marshall has been approved.

Proposed raising of the dwelling's ridge height and the erection of a Juliet balcony on the south elevation at The Old Cottage, Combe Batch, Wedmore, by Mr and Mrs Collar has been approved.

Erection of single-storey side (west) extension and first-floor extension above garage to provide additional living accommodation at 17 Danes Lea, Wedmore, by Mr and Mrs Cemm has been approved.