WEST Somerset Council has been accused of "double standards" after beginning work on its new satellite offices in Minehead without first applying for planning permission or authority to change the use of the building. The council agreed in secret session last month to rent 1 to 3 Summerland Road in Minehead for 12 years as a base for up to ten staff. The premises have previously been used as an auto repair business and the council will need to get permission from its own planners to change it into offices. The base will then be used to provide satellite services for West Somerset residents once the majority of the council's staff have relocated from existing offices in Blenheim Road, Minehead, to a purpose-built new centre in Williton's Killick Way car park. However, builders have already moved onto the site and begun work on the interior of the building. "It seems to be one rule for them and another for everyone else. It sends out completely the wrong message to people," a source, who asked not to be named, told the Free Press. Stacey Beaumont, the authority's media and public relations officer, blamed an "administrative error" for the apparent oversight but said planning permission was not required to carry out internal works. However, the issue of change of use was being addressed: "A planning application has been received but not yet determined. "An administrative error has led to a delay in the submission of a building regulations application which is currently being resolved, however, we can confirm that any work undertaken has conformed to building regulations." It is anticipated the centralised Williton office complex will take up to 12 months to complete, with work likely to start in earnest within the next couple of days. Fears the project could fall foul of legislation designed to protect nesting birds have been allayed by the authority. Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is illegal to disturb any nesting bird or its nest. Contractors and developers are "advised" not to carry out any tree surgery or felling between mid March and early August. A number of trees will be felled within the Killick Way site in the forthcoming weeks to make room for the council's new offices. Ms Beaumont said: "We can confirm that there are no tree preservation orders on the site, no nests in the trees at the present time, and our environmental survey confirmed that there were no endangered species such as bats. "We regret having to remove the trees but we intend to plant replacements when the time is appropriate." Meanwhile, further concerns that works could be carried out on a council-led project in Alcombe without planning permission have also been played down. Signs went up around land to the north of Lower Marshfield Road in Alcombe on Wednesday declaring it was now out of bounds due "to building developing commencing on this site". However, West Somerset Council has yet to secure planning permission for the development of 23 homes. The notice caused a stir among Alcombe residents, many of whom have objected to the proposal. The application had been due to be discussed at last week's meeting of the council's planning committee, but was deferred at the eleventh hour. Despite the sign declaring the start of building work, Ms Beaumont was adamant that was not the case. She said: "It has been alleged that work is starting on our Marshfield Road site by Alcombe SureStart and we haven't yet received planning permission. "Survey work is being undertaken which does not require planning permission."