Ston Easton Park Hotel can be turned back into a single residence after planning approval was granted by Mendip District Council.

The planning application for the change of use from hotel (C1) to three residential units (C3), including main house, Lower Lodge and Gardeners Cottage at Ston Easton Park Hotel, Bristol Road, Ston Easton, was submitted by Mr A Davis.

The company that ran the hotel went into administration during the coronavirus lockdown, and now the main building will become someone's home again, as will the Lower Lodge at the original site entrance and Gardeners Cottage to the north of the main house.

Originally constructed in the 17th century and remodelled in the early 18th century, Ston Easton Park is noted for having a fine Palladian interior.

Due to its exceptional special interest, the building is listed at Grade I. It was given planning permission to be turned into a hotel in 1978.

In approving the proposal, the planning officer said converting the buildings back into residences would secure a viable use for the heritage assets, and therefore their future maintenance and conservation.

Planning applications in the Shepton Mallet area that have been submitted this week to Mendip District Council include:

Part change of access use from agricultural to include residential/agricultural on land to the south of Stocks Lane, North Wootton, is wanted by Mr Paddy Gordon.

Works to trees in a Conservation Area three Cypress - fell at Oakhill Lodge, Bath Road, Oakhill, have been applied for by Mr Gary Ralls.

Change of use from Class A1 (Shops) to Class A1 (Shops)/B8 (Storage or distribution) at 7 Townsend Shopping Park, Townsend, Shepton Mallet, is wanted by Mr Rhodri Williams.

Erection of multi-purpose farm storage, vehicle maintenance and administration building at Badgers Cross Farm, Zion Hill to Underhill, Ashwick, has been applied for by Mr Mark Emery.

Application for a non-material amendment to permission 2019/2491/HSE for the substitution of proposed north/rear windows and doors with UPVC windows and doors, colour to match existing at 5 Winsley Way, Chilcompton, has been made by Stonewater Housing Association.

Planning applications in the Shepton Mallet area that have been decided by Mendip District Council this week include:

Tree - T14 - Sycamore (TPO Ref M1084) - Reduction of up to 30 per cent volume (as per conditions of approval) at The Glen Bungalows, Shapway Lane, Evercreech, has been approved.

T1 - Sycamore - TPO Group M1010 - Cut back overhanging branches by removing a lower limb and reduction of three lower limbs by up to 3m at 6 Downside Close, Chilcompton, by Mrs Bowring has been approved.

Change of use of agricultural land and engineering works to provide access and hardstanding (permeable) for staff and trailer parking on land next to Willmotts Business Park, Waterlip, by Mr A Stott has been approved.

Erection of a single storey extension, veranda to north elevation, conservatory to south elevation and alterations to roof at Heckley Lodge, Heckley Lane, Ashwick, by Mr Ian Davis has been approved.

Erection of a detached workshop/garage with store above at Rookery Farm, Zion Hill to Underhill, Ashwick, by Ms Julia Street has been approved.

Residential mobile home/chalet with outbuilding at Bramble Caravan, Dark Lane, North Wootton, by Mr Charles Coombes has been approved.

Single storey rear extension with alterations to existing windows and doors, new shutters, internal modifications including re-arrangement of staircase and widening and like-for-like replacement of front gates at Parsonage House, Back Lane, Croscombe, by Mr and Mrs Andrew and Sarah Fice have been approved.

Erection of carport and side/rear single storey extension at The Crows Nest, Higher Westholme Road, Pilton, by Mr and Mrs Rice has been approved.

Single storey side and rear extension at 30 Westbrook Road, Evercreech, by Mr and Mrs Birchall has been approved.

Five Day Notice: Ash tree - fell at 11 Webber Road, Shepton Mallet, has been approved.