PLANS to build extensions at a 300-year-old picture postcard cottage on the outskirts of Wellington have been supported by planners.

Two planning applications have been submitted for works to be carried out at the thatched-roofed Linden Cottage at Linden Hill, while a further application for listed building consent will also have to be granted before the proposals can proceed.

Applicant John Mugridge wants to carry out alterations and build an extension to an outbuilding to form a residential annexe at the cottage and build a single-storey side extension with mezzanine and glazed link to the main house.

Mr Mugridge met Wellington Town Council’s planning committee last week and explained that the work needed to be done to bring the property up to modern standards.

He said that he and his family had lived there since 2010 and had carried out an extensive restoration project to bring the property back to its original state.

Mr Mugridge said they had looked to sell the property but the feedback they received from 15 viewings was that it was ‘not suitable or practical for modern living’.

“The extension would not be visible as it will be at the back and this will make it more of a family property for years to come,” he said.

Councillors were supportive of the application and said no adverse comments had been made by people living near the site.

Although the town council supported the applications, Taunton Deane Borough Council would make a final decision.

For the full story see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.