August brought a mixed bag of council business across Glastonbury, Street, Wells and Shepton Mallet, with some firm decisions taken locally and several bigger issues left hanging into September.

From a row over a Somerset councillor's attendance and a 70mph reading in a Glastonbury 20mph zone to Street's proposed speed restrictions and Shepton Mallet's McDonald's plans, here is what moved forward during the month — and what has yet to be settled.

Glastonbury

Town council to challenge Somerset councillor over absences

Glastonbury Town Council agreed in August to write formally to Somerset councillor Susannah Hart after concerns were raised about her attendance at town council meetings.

Cllr Jon Cousins told the meeting there had been more than eight meetings without a report from Cllr Hart, who represents the Glastonbury division at Somerset Council alongside Cllr Ewan Cameron. Councillors agreed to ask her to attend a future meeting and explain the work she was carrying out on behalf of the town.

The proposal passed without any votes against, although two councillors abstained. The decision has no bearing on Cllr Hart's position at Somerset Council, but town councillors raised concerns about the flow of information between the unitary authority and Glastonbury.

Read the full story: Glastonbury council to challenge councillor over absences

Coursing Batch speeding to come back before councillors

Speeding on Coursing Batch also landed on the town council agenda after data from a speed indicator device showed an average recorded speed of 27mph in the 20mph zone — and a highest reading of 70mph.

Councillors discussed whether a 30mph buffer could be introduced before motorists enter the existing 20mph section, rather than the limit dropping directly from 40mph to 20mph. There was also support for seeking greater police enforcement.

No change to the speed limit was approved in August, however. The issue is expected to return for further consideration at the council's meeting on Tuesday, 8 September.

Read the full story: Glastonbury driver clocked at 70mph in 20mph zone

Street

Street's 20mph plan passes consultation stage

One of the biggest council issues affecting Street during August was Somerset Council's proposal to introduce new 20mph limits on a number of roads.

The statutory Traffic Regulation Order consultation opened on Wednesday, 5 August, with residents given until Tuesday, 25 August to submit objections or comments.

That consultation did not mean the new speed limits had been approved. Somerset Council must now consider the responses before deciding whether to make the order as proposed, change it or abandon it.

That makes the scheme one of Street's main issues to watch during September.

Read the full story: Street residents have days to comment on 20mph plan

Former chip shop could become a home

Plans also entered the system during August to turn the former West End Fish n' Chip Bar at 40 West End Street into a home.

The application seeks permission to change the former takeaway to residential use, alongside alterations to its windows and doors. It was received by Somerset Council on Tuesday, 11 August and remained awaiting a decision at the end of the month.

So, for now, this one remains a proposal rather than a done deal.

Read the full story: Former Street fish and chip shop could become a home

Wells

Community groups offered up to £500

Wells City Council continued its Community Grants programme during August, giving voluntary organisations and local groups another opportunity to seek up to £500 towards projects benefiting people in the city.

Applicants are expected to set out what they intend to deliver, how Wells residents would benefit and why council support is needed.

Previous grants have helped fund projects including accessibility improvements, with the scheme intended to give relatively small community projects a useful financial nudge.

August's development was the opening of another funding opportunity rather than the award of individual grants, meaning decisions will follow after applications are considered.

Read the full story: Wells groups can apply for up to £500 from council

Wells planning applications remain undecided

Several potentially significant Wells developments also remained in the planning system as August drew to a close.

They included proposals to turn the Old Chapel Bakery in Union Street into three one-bedroom homes, while plans have also been lodged for a new recording studio at 3 Mountery Close.

Neither application had reached a final decision by the end of the month.

Read: Former bakery could be converted into three flats

Read: Wells Hollywood composer plans new recording studio

Shepton Mallet

Councillors oppose 24-hour McDonald's plans

One of August's clearest local decisions came in Shepton Mallet, where town councillors considered plans for a McDonald's drive-thru at Haskins Retail Park.

The Town Development and Planning Committee agreed on Tuesday, 18 August to recommend refusal of the application in its current 24-hour form.

Councillors were broadly supportive of the investment, jobs and redevelopment involved, but raised concerns about a restaurant operating through the night close to nearby homes. Noise, lighting, traffic movements and litter were among the issues discussed, with councillors indicating they would prefer opening hours of 7 am to 11 pm.

Crucially, the town council does not make the final planning decision. It is a consultee, with Somerset Council responsible for deciding whether the application is approved or refused.

Read the full story: Shepton councillors oppose 24-hour McDonald's plan

Eight homes proposed at Pilton farm building

Another planning proposal submitted during August could see an agricultural building off Tanyard Lane in Pilton converted into eight homes.

The application is being considered through the prior approval process and was validated on Monday, 10 August.

No decision had been made by the end of the month, leaving another planning file to keep an eye on during September.

Read the full story: Eight homes planned in farm building near Shepton

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