Planning news in and around Frome this week.

An application is in to build a barn for storage/ housing of livestock and siting of a container for storage on land at Red Tuns in Marston Bigot.

That is under reference No: 2021/2108/AGB.

An application is in to vary conditions 2 and 3 (drawings and materials) of planning approval 2020/2669/FUL (which is for the demolition of existing rear extensions and replace with proposed two storey rear extension with associated internal and external alterations) to insert rooflight and replace cladding for lime render and stone plinth to render. At 4 Gurnville Cottages on Little Keyford Lane in Frome.

And today (September 15) is the last chance to support Mayday Saxonvale with a show of support to the Mendip planning board which meets tonight at 6pm to talk about the Acorn plans.

Comments have re-opened on the planning portal with campaigners warning that previous objections will not stand and they need to be put in again. Details about the Acorn option are under application number: 2019/1180/OTS

In planning decisions this week.

A new heritage plaque is being put at 1A Palmer Street in Frome. after it was approved by Mendip. Frome Society for Local Study applied to put up the plaque to commemorate the historic significance of the building to the industrial and social history of Frome. It was the site of the iron foundry of E.Cockey & Sons which dates from the 1830s - 40s.

The plaque will have a QR code for additional information and include the words: " Edward Cockey was a pioneer of the gas industry, introducing gas lighting to Frome in 1831. A foundry employing 76 men and boys by 1851 to manufacture items for gas production.. including lamp posts and street furniture."

An application for a single storey rear extension and associated works at 36 New Buildings Lane in Frome has been approved.

An application to build an annex to Ashgrove on Grove Lane in Faulkland has been approved.

An application to redevelop stables with one new home and a detached car port at land adjacent to 7 The Mead on Brewery Lane in Holcombe, has been refused

In other planning news, this from the Local Democracy Reporter.

A caravan park near the M5 can expand and build a new fishing lake for tourists after Somerset councillors voted to grant permission.

The Bigwood family run the Westbrook Farm Caravan Park on Harp Road in Brent Knoll, around one mile north-east of Junction 22 for Highbridge.

The family applied to expand their business, creating space for new static pitches and timber chalets to the east of the existing camp and building a new fishing lake alongside them.

Sedgemoor District Council's development committee has now given the proposals its backing, voting unanimously to approve the plans when it met in Bridgwater on Tuesday morning (September 14).

Under the plans, a further 47 static caravan pitches would be created, with nine timber chalets being arranged around the new fishing lake.

A total of 159 new car parking spaces and 85 cycle spaces will be formed on site, with the Bigwoods estimating that the expansion could create the equivalent of four new full-time jobs.

Planning officer Dawn de Vries of Somerset County Council (which is responsible for highways) had "raised no objection" to the proposals – making it difficult for the district council to refuse the plans on these grounds.

The county council is currently planning a series of schemes with North Somerset Council to improve the A38 – including redesigning the Edithmead roundabout at Junction 22 to enhance traffic flow.

Councillor Tony Grimes – whose neighbouring Berrow ward includes a large number of camp-sites – welcomed the proposed expansion, arguing it would provide a boost to the local economy.

He said: "The site seems well-run, very tidy – and there are other sites on this road.

"In the interest of tourism in this area, I believe all the boxes have now been ticked. It will probably be a very good asset to the area."

After less than 15 minutes' debate, the committee voted unanimously to approve the plans.