PLANS to demolish an disused commercial building and build four new homes next to the railway line in Bridgwater have been rejected.

The proposals were for the former Bridgwater Plant Hire Ltd site on Clarks Road, which would be demolished so that four new semi-detached homes, a commercial workshop and office building on the plot which backs on to the railway line along from Bridgwater Station.

The plans, which also including parking for eight vehicles, were dismissed by Sedgemoor District Council's planning officers.

The building was originally used as a grain and feed store, with access and loading provisions from the east platform of Bridgwater Station, before becoming a plant for heavy duty steel fabrication and more recently a builder's workshop.

However in the proposal, the applicant states that the site has a 'chequered planning history, which over time has led to the existing site and buildings becoming obsolete and redundant, with the unit generally deemed unfit for its original intent and purpose'.

The current owner was previously a building contractor but has since retired and is seeking to redevelop the existing brownfield site. 

Bridgwater Mercury:

However the eyesore won't be going anywhere for the time being as the proposal was flatly refused by Sedgemoor District Council's planning officers on Monday, March 31.

Citing the reasons behind rejecting the plan, the officers state: "It has not been satisfactorily demonstrated that the land subject to the application is completely within the control of the applicant.

"The proposed development by virtue of the small size of the plot on which four dwellings and a commercial unit are proposed results in a high density, cramped and contrived form of development which is out of character with the surrounding residential development."

The officers also cite the inadequate space for vehicles to reverse out of parking spaces as another reason the application has been rejected.

To view the full application and decision, visit the planning section of the Sedgemoor District Council website and search for application 08/20/00007.