AN appeal against the refusal of a plan to turn a derelict barn into a one-bedroom bungalow near Langford Budville has been rejected.

Alvin Bellamy wanted to convert the 41 feet long by 18 feet wide Hilltop building into a home and take some surrounding agricultural land for domestic use.

He was refused planning permission by the former Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) in December, 2022.

Now, planning inspector Hollie Nicholls has sided with the council and dismissed an appeal by Mr Bellamy against the authority’s decision. 

SWT planning officer Denise Todd said at the time the site outside the village was unsustainable and Mr Bellamy had failed to address the issue of phosphate emissions which would drain onto and harm wildlife in the internationally protected Somerset Levels.

Mr Bellamy’s planning agent Darren Addicott had argued the barn was no longer fit for modern agricultural practices and converting it to residential use would secure its long-term retention within the landscape.

Mr Addicott said it was a traditional farm building forming part of the character and local distinctiveness of the Langford Budville countryside and re-using it was inherently sustainable.

The conversion was designed in a sensitive manner to preserve the character, appearance, and landscape setting, and provide low-cost market housing.

But Mrs Nicholls said the development would be in open countryside and the public benefit of adding to local housing stock did not outweigh the harm that would be caused.

No comments on the plans were received from parish councillors.