Every week, hundreds of planning applications are submitted to Somerset Council for determination – and we have selected some of the most interesting proposals. Most plans will be decided by council planning officers, using their legally delegated powers, but some of the most significant or contentious will go before one of the council’s five planning committees. Planning committees are made up of elected councillors, but the decisions they make should be decided based on the council’s planning policies, not local politics.
Taunton Town Bridge, A3027 The Bridge, Taunton Somerset Council has been carrying around extensive repairs to the Taunton Town Bridge in Taunton town centre, at a projected cost of £1.3m. While the bulk of the repairs to the grade two listed structure is complete, one small detail has yet to be carried out – repairing the globe lanterns along the bridge.
The council is seeking listed building consent to remove the existing lanterns, which are grubby and unsightly, and replace when with clean, bright lanterns. This work is expected to be included within the budget of the wider bridge improvements, and will be completed before the end of the year if permission is granted. Planning reference number: 38/24/0176/LB High Street, Taunton Taunton Central Holdings Ltd.
has applied to convert the former Edinburgh Woollen Mill store at 62-63 High Street in Taunton town centre into four new dwellings. The new homes, if approved, will lie on a new active trave.