In planning news in and around Frome this week:

Plans for a development of 40 homes in Leigh-on-Mendip, that would also have seen a new school field and car park being created, have been refused.

An application for outline planning permission with some matters reserved (access considered) for the building of up to 40 dwellings and provision of school playing field and car park on land at Quarry Lane, Leigh-on-Mendip, had been submitted to Mendip District Council by T and A Land Associates Ltd.

The plans entailed the construction of 40 homes to the north of Leigh-upon-Mendip First School, with a playing field and 30 car parking spaces separating the school and new homes.

Of the 40 homes, 12 would have been classed as affordable, and a new footpath link to an existing public right of way to the west of the site was proposed.

However, Mendip have turned down the plans, citing the potential impact on the neighbouring Grade I listed Church of St Giles as outweighing the benefits of the extra housing.

The planning department has also refused an application for the demolition of existing building and the building of seven new homes at 95 Locks Hill in Frome. Planners gave their reasonings which included the loss of privacy for adjoining properties and that : " The proposal would harm the character and appearance of the Frome Conservation Area and the harm to the significance of this designated heritage asset is not outweighed by the public benefit identified."

The full decision and details under 2020/1680/FUL.

In other applications : Prior Approval has been sought for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to two new homes (Class C3) at Brookover Farm on the Frome to Radstock Road, in Buckland Dinham. That's under application Ref. No: 2021/0961/PAA.

In Beckington at 13 Bath Road, under Ref. No: 2021/0928/TCA, the homeowner has applied to cut back a Beech tree.

In Nunney, an application is in for a small balcony on the first floor and window conversion to double doors at the rear of Millers House at 17 Horn Street. Details under application No: 2021/0708/HSE.

Other planning decisions this week made by Mendip planners:

They have decided that prior approval for a proposed change of use of a building from Office Use (Class B1(a)) to homes (Class C3) at Vallis House on 57 Vallis Road in Frome, is not required.

Approved With Conditions, the building of a rear part two storey and part single storey extension and the replacement of the front and windows at 12 Trinity Street in Frome.