Plans to convert the Panborough Inn into a single house have been given the thumbs up by Sedgemoor District Council.

The planning application for the change of use of the public house (sui generis) to a residential dwelling (use Class C3) at the Panborough Inn, Wells Road, Panborough, was submitted by Mr Folland.

An earlier application to change the use of the pub in Panborough to residential was submitted in August 2019, but was withdrawn in October 2019 following concern from the planning authority about the amount of marketing that had taken place to sell the site as a going concern.

The pub was then put on the market in November 2019 at a guide price of £485,000 but up to September this year there had only been seven viewings.

A successful pub in the 1980s and 1990s, the Panborough Inn closed in 2014 and was bought by the current owners in 2016.

Wedmore Parish Council objected to the plan saying that locals would lose a valuable amenity, and there were 44 objections from members of the public.

However, in approving the change of use, the planning report says: "The advice received is that sufficient marketing has been undertaken at a price recommended by two independent agents and which has been considered by internal consultees as not being unreasonable.

"So while the marketing period falls short of the full 18 months the supporting text recommends, the advice received is that very little would be achieved by another period seeking to find a buyer.

"While the loss of the facility has been resisted previously, it is not considered that there is any justification in doing so any further in light of the evidence and professional advice.

"While the loss is regrettable, it is considered that the principle of changing the use to a dwelling should now be accepted."

Planning applications in the Cheddar area that have been submitted this week include:

Change of use of land from equestrian arena to caravan and vehicle storage at Bow Farm, Badgworth, is wanted by Mr Clements.

Erection of a detached garage with store above at Pilgrim Cottage, Weare Road, Chapel Allerton, has been applied for by Mr and Mrs Higginbottom.

Planning applications in the Cheddar area that have been decided this week include:

Outline application with some matters reserved for the demolition of outbuildings and erection of up to two detached bungalows at Sunny Mead, Cheddar Road, Axbridge, by Mr and Mrs Clark has been approved.

Erection of a two-storey extension to the rear (east) elevation and erection of a single-storey extension to the side (south) elevation at Rose Cottage, Biddisham Lane, Biddisham, by Miss S Turner has been approved.

Erection of a two-storey extension to the south east elevation of dwelling to link attach existing detached garage at Holly Tree Farm, New Road, Stone Allerton, by Mr Gowan has been refused.

Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed conversion of existing building to living accommodation at Os Field No. 4793, Stone Allerton Drove, Stone Allerton, by Mr Brooks has been refused.

Variation of Condition 15 of Planning Permission 17/19/00005 (Erection of 134 dwellings with access, public open space and associated infrastructure) to vary element (e) on land at Holwell Lane, Cheddar, by Bloor Homes South West has been withdrawn.

The installation of external boiler and fence screen at The Hall, St Andrew's Road, Cheddar, by Mr and Mrs Persaud has been approved.

Works to trees in a Conservation Area T1, T2, T3 and T4 lime trees - re-pollard as done previously at Manor House, Lower North Street, Cheddar, by Mr Hill have been approved.

Change of use of land from agriculture to site two holiday pods at Southcroft Farm, Bridgwater Road, Cross, by Mr and Mrs Brinson has been approved.

Application for Non-Material Amendment to Planning Permission 50/19/00009 (Erection of a first floor extension above existing lean to) to allow for the first floor extension to be increased by 0.9m internally at Brickyard Farm, Combe Lane, Wedmore, by Mr Dickie has been withdrawn.

Single-storey extension to existing detached dwelling used as a holiday let at Cedar Farm, Wet Lane, Draycott, by Mr and Mrs N Fowler has been approved.