Converting a former pub's skittle alley into new holiday homes, a new cider production facility and a cabin for dog grooming 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 (although it doesn't always turn out that way).

The former Merry Harriers pub, Blackdown Hill Road, West Buckland

The Merry Harriers pub provided food and drink from Forches Corner in the Blackdown Hills area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), a short distance away from Wellington and the Devon border.

The pub was damaged by a fire in July 2016 and a further blaze in December the same year – with police and fire officials believing the latter to have been an arson attack.

Various plans have been put forward to redevelop the site over the years, with plans to rebuild the pub being granted in November 2017 and again in April 2023.

Dorset Property Services has now applied to turn the former skittle alley into five en-suite holiday lets, with patrons using the existing pub car park.

The developer said this change is "required to make the facility more

economically viable, and to make best use of the existing building.

"The re-purposing of the skittle alley to provide overnight rooms will protect this historic structure."

Planning reference number: 46/23/0016

Glanville House, Frobisher Way, Taunton

Glanville House, not far from the Silk Mills park and ride site on Taunton's western edge, was home to Gillings Retirement Rentals until earlier this year.

Amamus Property Ltd. wishes to convert the offices into ten new properties over the three floors, following in the footsteps of similar schemes such as the conversion of the former Debenham HQ in Taunton town centre or Chataway House on the edge of Chard.

The developer said it would deliver new homes in "a prominent and sustainable location" within Taunton, with no changes being made to the external appearance of the building.

Planning reference number: 38/23/0340/CMA

Rull Farm, Whatley Road, Otterford

Mr P. James is seeking to build guests rooms out of a disused agricultural building on this farm, deep in the heart of the Blackdown Hills.

The new building will include three guest bedrooms and a communal area, with the business being operated on a bed-and-breakfast basis.

The site lies close to the picturesque River Yarty and within easy reach of the B3170, which lead to Taunton and Honiton.

Planning reference number: 29/23/0008

Former Orchard Court Nursing Home, Harp Chase, Taunton

The Orchard Court Nursing Home, which once provided a home for 43 residents, has been vacant since closing its doors in late-2016.

There have been numerous plans to redevelop the site since then, including its demolition and replacement with a newer care home and separate proposals for nine homes.

Tracey Bristow is now proposing that the building – located in a largely residential part of Taunton – be used as a residential training centre for Hinkley Point C staff.

Planning reference number: 38/23/0325

Wady's Cider Ltd., Little Elm Road, Middlezoy

Wady's Cider is a craft cider producer based just outside the village of Middlezoy, in the heart of the Somerset Levels.

Current visitors to its premises can visit the tap room four days a week, with dogs being welcome so long as they are kept on a lead.

The company now wishes to expand, building a new cider production and storage building on site.

Planning reference number: 34/23/00009

A3088 Bunford Lane, Yeovil

The Abbey Manor Group has been connected to numerous developments in Yeovil in recent times, including the Bunford Heights housing development which was subsequently delivered by Tilia Homes.

The developers have now put forward proposals for a battery energy storage facility off an existing spur road on the western side of the A3088 Bunford Lane, not far from the council's Yeovil offices.

These storage facilities – like those in which the council has directly invested near Taunton and Fareham – allow power from the National Grid to be stored during times of low demand and sold back to the grid at a profit when demand is higher.

Planning reference number: 23/02558/FUL

34 Stokehill, Stoke-sub-Hamdon

Sharon Evis was recently made redundant after years of working as a dog groomer at "a well-known veterinary practice" in the local area.

She has decided to set up her own dog grooming business, building a timber cabin in the back garden of her domestic property in Stoke-sub-Hamdon.

She will have a maximum of three dogs on site at any one time, including her own pet.

Planning reference number: 23/01857/FUL

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.