WATCHET'S watersports centre has taken a step closer to reality after district council planners decided to approve plans to develop the authority- owned Mineral Yard in the town. The application by the Watchet Watersports Association sought permission to provide a secure boat storage area on the western section of the yard, demolish an existing toilet block and replace it with a large flat-roofed building to provide a meeting room. A single-storey flat-roofed storage building would also be built behind the meeting room to the back of houses in Market Street, while a further flat- roofed building would provide toilet and changing room facilities. Members of West Somerset District Council's planning committee were told last Thursday that four letters of objection had been received claiming the development would create noise, lead to a loss of light and possibly encourage vandalism. Planning officer Steve Kirby advised the committee to approve the plans on the grounds the design fitted in with others in the area, while the use of the land was appropriate for a harbour-side setting. In a report he said: "It is considered that the proposal is compatible with the preservation or enhancement of the architectural and historical character of the area and will provide improved water sport recreational facilities." • Watchet district councillor David Banks looked set to be given permission to replace unauthorised UPVC windows at his Anchor Street home with timber units. A retrospective application to retain the plastic windows was withdrawn and replaced by a new proposal for timber windows, with the final decision being delegated to officers subject to the receipt of amended plans. • The committee opted to hold a site visit before reaching a decision on an application to construct two new homes on land alongside Capri, Whitecross Lane, Minehead. They were told the plans had generated widespread opposition with 22 letters of objected being lodged. Minehead Town Council was also strongly opposed to the application, while Somerset Wildlife Trust expressed concern for the welfare of badgers which may be living within the site. • Conditional approval was given for two grade two listed buildings in Williton's Long Street to be converted into two homes and for a workshop building behind to be converted into a new two- storey house. The committee stipulated that no vehicle access should be allowed to number 25, while a legal agreement should be secured to ensure a financial contribution was made to community facilities as a result of the development. They were told a shopfront would be demolished to allow the conversion of numbers 25 and 27, while a workshop would be converted into a four-bedroom home. Neighbours had objected to the proposals on the grounds of loss of privacy, inadequate parking and poor access. Officers advised the proposals would not have an adverse impact on the premises while the concerns of neighbours could be overcome by various conditions. However, the application for listed building consent to carry out the works would have to go before the Secretary of State before officers could take a delegated decision to give the entire scheme the go-ahead.
