Plans to convert a barn on a farm in Pylle into a house have been given the thumbs up by Mendip District Council.

The planning application for prior approval for a proposed change of use of an agricultural building to a dwellinghouse (Class C3) and for associated operational development at Writh Farm, Fosse Way, Pylle, was submitted by Mr and Mrs Cary.

The site forms part of an established agricultural unit that was used as a storage shed for hay, straw and agricultural machinery.

In approving the proposals, the planning officer's report said: "The structural assessment submitted with the application suggests that the existing building is capable of conversion without structural works.

"The proposed building operations would consist of alterations to the extent reasonably necessary for the building to function as a dwellinghouse, and do not go beyond what can reasonably be considered a conversion."

Also this week, plans to convert Shepton Mallet Prison into 146 homes have been re-approved - read our report HERE.

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

Erection of single storey rear extension and extension of garage at 1 Beech Close, Doulting, has been applied for by Mr and Mrs A Thompson.

Erection of tool and machinery store at Higher Downside Farmhouse, Windsor Hill Lane, Windsor Hill, Shepton Mallet, is wanted by Mr Shaun Wolff.

Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to four dwellinghouses (C3) at Southill Farm, Southill House to Hemberton Cottage, Cranmore, has been applied for by Mr Thomas Ayles.

Prior approval for a proposed change of use of agricultural building to a dwellinghouse (Class C3) on land at West Lane, Croscombe, is wanted by Mr Andrew Wyatt.

Proposed works to tree/s in a Conservation Area: T1 (conifer) - reduce height by three metres and prune side at Church Cottage, Church Street, Croscombe, have been applied for by Becky Berryman.

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

Erection of 80ft by 40ft agricultural barn at Threlfalls, Whitstone Hill, Pilton, by Mr Robert Kearle has been approved.

Replacement of existing commercial building with a purpose designed commercial building at The Stone Workshops, Kings Road, Stoke St Michael, by Mr Robert Abbott has been refused.

Conservatory extension at 16 Kingfisher Road, Evercreech, by Mr Colin Dicker has been approved.

Creation of access track (retrospective) at Folly Lodge, Folly Lane, North Wootton, by Dr Terry Flaxton and Mrs Charlotte Humpston has been withdrawn.

Erection of a single-storey rear extension at 51 Beech Avenue, Shepton Mallet, by Mrs Charlton has been approved.

Erection of detached garage and workshop at The Granary, Manor Farm, Cranmore, by Mr and Mrs McCabe has been approved.