Councillors approve chapel conversation (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Councillors approve chapel conversation

3:01pm Saturday 23rd February 2008 in News By Kirsty Maclagan

PLANS for a property conversation in Tatworth were backed by councillors last week despite concerns over highway safety.

Members of South Somerset District Council's Area West Committee voted against Somerset Highway Authority's recommendation to refuse the application at a meeting last Wednesday.

The proposal, submitted by Bethel Street Baptist Chapel, sought permission to change the use of The Old Chapel in St Margaret's Lane from a holiday let to a single storey residential home.

It was opposed by the Highway Authority over fears regarding the safety of the junction leading onto St Margaret's Lane.

A report from the government body stated: "There are concerns relating to the means of access to the site.

"The visibility from this junction is restricted in either direction due to adjacent properties boundary walls that front the highway."

But ward member Cllr Andrew Turpin asked: "Baring in mind the cottage is already in use for up to five months of the year, why does the Highway Authority consider the junction any more of a danger now?"

His views were backed by committee chairman Cllr Kim Turner, who said: "People who are living in a property would be more familiar with a junction than somebody using it as a holiday let."

Cllr Turpin continued: "I have lived in Tatworth for 37 years and have never known an accident at this site.

"I respect that highways have to follow a certain code but I don't think it is applicable on this occasion.

"I urge members to look at this logically."

He raised a proposal to approve the application, which was unanimously backed by the committee.

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