The proposed garage conversion and its extension, by virtue of the windows on its east (rear) elevation and the rooflights within the southern roof plane, would give rise to an unacceptable level of overlooking of the rear garden of the adjoining property Grange Cottage, being detrimental to the privacy and residential amenity of the adjoining occupiers. The proposal, by extending across the rear boundary of Grange Cottage (which is grade II listed), is considered to cause unacceptable harm to setting of the heritage asset. The provision of the proposed parking spaces to serve the converted garage, which are to be located on land immediately adjoining Ash Cottage which has ground floor windows immediately overlooking the proposed spaces, would give rise to unacceptable impacts on the residential amenity of its occupants associated with the headlights of cars entering and exiting the parking spaces. The proposal is therefore considered contrary to Sedgemoor Core Strategy Policies D2, D16 and D17 and Section 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework.

The proposed creation of a new access and provision of four parking and one turning space to serve Ash Cottage would result in the loss of an important green space within the historic core of the village, with its replacement with hardstanding and gravel being detrimental to the character and appearance of the area. The proposed parking would wrap around the eastern flank wall of Grange Cottage, encircling the boundary of the listed property and dominating views towards it. The proposal would result in the loss of the green space which forms part of the setting to the listed building, replacing it with hardstanding and provision for parked cars causing unacceptable harm to the heritage asset. The provision of parking and turning for vehicles in such close proximity to Grange Cottage, would give rise to unacceptable impacts on the occupants of the property by virtue of the noise created and shining of headlights from cars turning and entering/exiting the parking spaces. The impacts arising would be detrimental to the residential amenity of the occupants of Grange Cottage and their enjoyment of their property. As such the proposal is considered to be contrary to Policies D2, D16 and D17 and Section 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework.