Former offices of an estate agent in Shepton Mallet High Street that have been empty for more than a decade, can now be turned into a home after planning approval was granted.

A planning application for the change of use from Class E (c) (ii) Profesional Services to Class C3 Dwelling House, with internal and external works necessary to facilitate the conversion, along with repairs required to maintain the fabric of the building at 55 High Street, Shepton Mallet, had been submitted to Mendip District Council by Chris Stone.

The Grade II listed building was formerly the offices for Geoffrey Smith Estate Agent, who moved further down the High Street more than 10 years ago, and continue to trade there.

Despite attempts to market the property, the building has remained vacant ever since, and now Mendip has given the new home proposal the thumbs up.

In approving the plans, the planning officer's report said: "The property has been vacant for a period of 10 years and has fallen into disrepair which is detrimental to not only the character of the street scene but also to the fabric of the building, with particular concern drawn to its Grade II Listed Building status.

"On balance, while the impacts relating to the lack of private amenity space and off-street parking are recognised, it is considered that the preservation of a prominent listed building and the sustainable location of the site would outweigh these potential impacts and would not warrant refusal under the Local Plan."

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

Proposed demolition of existing agricultural buildings and the erection of a new three-bedroom dwelling with associated outbuilding at Hill View Farm, Prestleigh, by Ms M Underwood has been approved.

Part-retrospective: to regularise changes and incorporate minor alterations at The Mill House, Mill Lane, Stoke St Michael, by Dr Simon Farnsworth have been approved.

Development of a gas-powered standby electricity generation plant, associated infrastructure and access road (revision of 2018/2522/FUL) on land to the south of the Electricity Sub Station, Langleys Lane, Clapton, by Biogas Technologies Ltd has been approved.

Application for a certificate of lawful existing development for widening of existing vehicle entrance and track on land at Cockmill Lane, East Pennard, by Mr Raymond Loxton has been refused.

Removal of garden shed and boundary fence for installation of a double garage with parking/turning to edge of existing drive at Tanglewood, High Street, Evercreech, by Mr and Mrs G Burridge has been approved.

Application for a proposed lawful development certificate for demolition of existing garage and replace with a garage at 6 Leighton Close, Evercreech, by Mrs Janet Banks has been withdrawn.

Decorating exterior, replacing four to five windows, repairing two existing doors and frames, repair flat roof over part of building at Eden Grove, Leg Square, Shepton Mallet, by Mr H Beamish has been approved.

Erection of wooden barn for agricultural use at Ham Mill, Ham Hill, Holcombe, by Dr Dave Durkin has been approved.

Alterations and the construction of rear and side extensions, replacement of porch, demolition of existing garage, erection of new garage and reconfiguration of driveway and parking and turning area at Whitecroft Farm, Fosse Way, Pylle, have been approved.

Five Day Notice: M197 T1 (ash) - fell, T2 (ash) - fell at 1 Mendip Avenue, Shepton Mallet, by Clear Space Storage, has been approved.