Plans to turn a field in West Cranmore into a natural burial ground have been turned down by Mendip District Council.

A planning application for the change of use of agricultural land to a natural burial ground (Sui Generis), with the building of a cabin (use Class Part B1 Office and B8 Storage) and a compost toilet on land at Southill House to Brottens Road, West Cranmore, had been submitted by Ed Green.

The applicant had applied for the change of use, saying there was a need for a natural burial ground in the area, and that a trust fund would be set up to maintain it and make sure it was never sold.

However, objections were received from Somerset County Council's highways department and from the Environment Agency.

Mendip refused the application following the planning officer's report which said: "It is recommended that planning permission be refused as the development is unjustified with regard to the relevant Development Plan policies with regards to economic development outside of development limits and would therefore cause unjustified harm to the intrinsic character and appearance of the countryside.

"In addition the proposal represents unsustainable development, is prejudicial to highway and pedestrian safety, fails to provide sufficient supporting information in regards to groundwater protection from pollution and will create adverse harm to trees."

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

Side and rear extensions to existing dwelling, and installation of cladding to dwelling at Le Brace, Emborough Pond Lane, Emborough, are wanted by Mr David Kimber.

Installation of 14 ground mounted PV solar panels at Bagborough House, Bagborough Lane, Pylle, has been applied for by Mr Christopher Cole.

Application for approval of details reserved by condition 3 (materials) on planning consent 2018/1672/FUL at Barrow Farm, Barrow Lane, North Wootton, has been made by Mr Joshua White.

Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 3 (Joinery Details), 4 (Sample Panel - Walling) and 5 (Sample Panel - Roofing) on planning consent 2020/1090/LBC at 2 Wickham Cottages, Frys Lane to Mill Lane, Batcombe, has been made by Jonathan Tibbs.

Proposed works to tree/s in a Conservation Area: T1 (ash) - fell, T2 (ash) - fell at Millstones, Back Lane, Darshill, Shepton Mallet, are wanted by C D Cree.

The erection of a single-storey rear extension, which would extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by five metres, with a maximum height of 3.9 metres and an eaves height of 3.6 metres at Coppins, Fosse Way, Wraxall, has been applied for by Linda Wells.

Proposed works to tree/s in a Conservation Area: T1-T2 - self-sown trees - fell at Eastleigh, Forum Lane, Shepton Mallet, are wanted by Mrs Sandra Perkins.

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

Application to remove condition 18 (occupancy restriction) of planning approval 2017/2166/FUL (reinstatement of residential use of house involving construction of new roof, conversion of barn to ancillary residential accommodation, part re-building of barn to office use, formation of new access and construction of garage/store building) at Barrington House, Old Wells Road, Croscombe, by Mrs Hannah Smith has been approved.

Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a replacement dwelling with associated works at White Oak Farm, Strap Lane, North Brewham, by Ms and Mr Ekin has been approved.

Application to vary condition 2 (drawings) of planning approval 2017/3370/LBC (replacement of porch with associated Internal alterations and fenestration) to reduce stub wall and replace with a central oak beam, vaulted ceiling in kitchen, removal of exterior walls' paint and replace by re-pointing with lime mortar at 11 Paul Street, Shepton Mallet, by Mrs Nicola Smart has been approved.

Erection of two-storey side extension and storm porch to front elevation and dropped kerb for alternative parking arrangements at 10 Chestnut Lane, Evercreech, by Leanna Dare has been approved.

Application for approval of reserved matters following outline approval 2020/0169/OTS for the erection of an agricultural worker's dwelling, matters of appearance/landscaping/layout/scale to be determined at Manor Farm, Chapel Street, Upton Noble, by Mr and Mrs Cary has been approved.

Installation of additional gateways to create access at Lilac Cottage, Weymouth Road, Evercreech, by Mr Nick and Mrs Dorcas Pope has been refused.

Installation of new window to rear elevation at The Second Barn, Prestleigh Lane, Prestleigh, by Anne Edwards has been approved.