PLANS have been submitted to convert two agricultural barns on a strawberry farm into three dwellings in a hamlet near Bridgwater. 

The proposal seeks to convert the barns, which are used as accommodation for seasonal workers, and demolish the surrounding modern barns that are not essential to West Newton Farm's operations. 

A two-storey barn will be converted into two residential units, and a one-storey barn will be changed into one residential unit. 

The plans aim to diversify the farm's business by providing rental income, which it says will help provide long-term financial security.

Planning documents say: “The proposal will deliver three residential units. The units are two to three bedrooms each.

“It will replace the seasonal worker accommodation, which accommodates up to 80 staff during peak season.

“This change of use will see an increase in approximately 12 new permanent residents in West Newton.

“Given that the hamlet is able to accommodate the traffic/footfall generated by the seasonal workers, it can be presumed that it can comfortably accommodate a significantly smaller number of residents.

“The design proposal seeks to remove the modern agricultural barns currently used as storage.

“By removing the modern barns at the site, the proposal will result in a site that is less cluttered, and has a more appropriate ratio of built to open space for a residential area.

“The design proposals seeks to deliver an overall appearance that is fitting to its location, and more fitting in local character than the current site layout.”

Residents can comment on this application until August 18.

Sedgemoor planning round-up

The following planning applications were received by Somerset Council between July 13 and July 19. 

For more details and to comment on applications, visit www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land.

Bawdrip

04/23/00006: Change of use from Office (B1) to residential as an extension to existing residential dwelling at 2 Bawdrip Lane, TA7 8PS.

Bridgwater

08/23/00226: Conservatory attached to the porch (retrospective application) at 23 Almond Tree Close, TA6 4EB. 

08/23/00265: Erection of single storey extension to the north west elevation within existing courtyard area, including internal alterations, at 120 West Street, TA6 7EU.

08/23/00266: Erection of single storey extension to the north west elevation within existing courtyard area, including internal alterations, at 120 West Street, TA6 7EU.

08/23/00280: Retrospective application for the installation of CCTV, flagpole, and painted brickwork to the front (north) elevation at 29 High Street, TA6 3BG.

08/23/00281: Retrospective application for the installation of CCTV, flagpole, and painted brickwork to the front (north) elevation at 29 High Street, Bridgwater, TA6 3BG. 

Cheddar

17/23/00045: Fell one maple tree (T1) at Symons Way, BS27. 

Enmore

27/23/00007: Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing use of building and associated land as a separate and permanent dwelling at Chestnut Lodge, Church Road, TA5 2DU. 

Lympsham

31/23/00014: Erection of an agricultural barn and footbridge connecting to residential land at land east of Riverside, North Road, BS24. 

North Petherton

37/23/00061: Change of use and conversion of agricultural barns to form three dwellings, including demolition of surrounding agricultural buildings, parking, and landscaping (revised scheme). At West Newton Farm, Adsborough Lane, West Newton, TA7 0DA. 

37/23/00062: Change of use and conversion of agricultural barns to form three dwellings, including demolition of surrounding agricultural buildings, parking, and landscaping (revised scheme). At West Newton Farm, Adsborough Lane, West Newton, TA7 0DA. 

Wedmore

50/23/00047: Erection of 28no. free standing solar planels with associated works at Stoneybridge Farm, Wells Road, Latcham, BS28 4SB.

50/23/00064: Retrospective application for an additional painted metal rainwater downpipe on rear (east) elevation at Blackford Cottage, High Street, Blackford, BS28 4NN.