SWT starts process to quash planning decision

30 January 2023 : Council news, Planning and development

Somerset West and Taunton Council is seeking to quash a planning decision made in error.

The Council received an application (ref: 45/22/0010) for a proposed change of use of the Blue Ball Inn, Cockercombe Road, Bagborough, from a Public House to Holiday Accommodation with Ancillary Bar (C3) and Community Use (F1 & F2).

Due to an administrative error, planning permission was granted under delegated powers for the change of use on 19 December 2022 without the proper legal authority to do so.

Due to the number of objections, the application should have been referred to the Council’s Planning Committee for decision by Councillors.

It is not possible for the Council simply to withdraw a planning permission once issued, even if granted in error.

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, is, therefore, initiating the necessary legal process through the High Court to quash the planning permission as soon as possible.

The planning application will then be reported to the Planning Committee for re-determination.

The applicant has been made aware of the problem and received an apology from the Council for the error.