A women-only gym, an expansion of a successful laundry company and new cricket nets on the Somerset Levels are among the schemes people are trying to get planning permission for in Somerset.

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.

Millstream Business Park, A3807 Castle Street, Taunton

Peter Sones has lived in Taunton since serving in the Royal Marines as part of 40 Commando, whose camp lies in Norton Fitzwarren.

Mr Sones has applied to turn part of the Millstream Business Park off the A3807 Castle Street into a women-only gym, named 'No Man's Land'.

The new gym will focus on "uncomplicated group fitness sessions for women", along with "boot camps, strength and cardio circuits".

The gym would create three full-time and four part-time jobs, with users being able to use the nearby Castle Street and Enfield public car parks.

Mr Sones said: "I anticipate having a positive impact on the health and well-being of many women in the Taunton area and hope that this application will be looked on favourably."

Planning reference number: 38/23/0437

Mart Road, Minehead

Julian's Laundry is based at Channing House within the Mart Road industrial area of Minehead, and handles all the laundry from the Butlin's holiday camp.

The business was originally based on Market House Lane nearer the town centre, but relocated to its current base several years ago – with its former home being turned into new homes.

The company is now seeking to extend its current premises, allowing it to expand further in the coming years – with the possibility of new jobs being created down the line.

A38 Main Road, West Huntspill

Mr & Mrs Marratty have applied to build eight homes on their land at 9 Main Road in West Huntspill, near Highbridge.

The development site lies almost halfway between the large Brue Farm housing development on the edge of Highbridge and a planned development for 45 homes at the junction of Main Road and New Road.

If the plans are granted, 21 car parking spaces will be provided for the new residents of this small estate.

35 Friarn Street, Bridgwater

The Friarn House Residential Home provided in-house care for 16 residents before it shut down in 2022 following an 'inadequate' rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Vallery Beroskin has applied to convert the former care home into a house of multiple occupation (HMO), potentially accommodating the same number of residents.

The site lies within walking distance of Bridgwater town centre, meaning the new residents will be able to easily access most local services without needing to use a private car.

Planning reference number: 08/23/00380

Merry Lane, East Huntspill

East Huntspill Cricket Club has been based at its current ground in Merry Lane in East Huntspill since 1977, and plays its fixtures in the second division of the West Somerset Cricket League.

The club has applied to install new cricket nets at the eastern edge of the ground to provide improved facilities for training both youngsters and older players.

The nets will be fitted with an astroturf base, making it easier to train in all weather conditions and at all times of the year.

Planning reference number: 25/23/00021

To comment on any of these applications (and others), visit www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land/view-and-comment-on-a-planning-application.