A HOLFORD based business employing 15 staff could be forced to find new premises despite overwhelming support from the local community. West Somerset District Council's planning committee is being recommended to refuse electrical contractor Alan Manchip's retrospective bid for approval to continue using outbuildings at Hunters Moon on the outskirts of the village as an office and equipment store. Mr Manchip, who started out as "one man and a van" in 1982, launched the business 25 years ago from another house in Holford, Westering. But as it grew he was forced to look for alternative premises and after a fruitless search for industrial units in Williton and elsewhere he bought Hunters Moon just over two years ago. A single storey outbuilding, consisting of four garages and a gymnasium was built, which is now used as the operating hub of the business. But planning officer Steve Kirby is recommending the retrospective application to formalise the use of the outbuilding is turned down when councillors consider it at a meeting next week. In a report, Mr Kirby said that, although homeworking did not necessarily require planning permission, the scale of the business was such that there had been a material change of use of the building. The staff included four office personnel based in the house itself. Mr Kirby said that, although it was recognised that Mr Manchip had taken all reasonable steps to reduce traffic movements to and from the premises, the approach road to Hunters Moon and its junctions with the A39 were sub-standard. The access lane was, for the most part, single track and poorly aligned with few passing places. In addition, the junctions opposite the Castle of Comfort hotel and at Shervage Wood also offered poor visibility for drivers emerging onto the A39. The application has prompted more than 60 letters of support from local residents stressing that the business is an asset to the area, provides local employment, is well established and supports the community. Mr Kirby said the support was fully recognised, as was the fact that the business employed 15 staff. But the application did not accord with development plan policies and so refusal was recommended. However, a design statement on behalf of the company said Holford was the centre of its client base. "It is crucial that we stay in the vicinity to ensure the continuity of the business and to look after our existing customers. "The business is now a limited company and provides employment for five technical staff, four apprentices, four office staff and two self-employed support staff. "By employing local people we are supporting the economy and minimising travel. "We provide an important service to local businesses, farmers and the domestic community."
