Green light for £15m Cannington project

Sedgemoor District Council [SDC] has given the green light to EDF Energy for its plans to convert a former Priory, known as Cannington Court, into a national training centre for its employees from across the UK.

Planning consent for the £15m project was delegated to officers as it had the support of Cannington Parish Council and the Council’s planners. SDC say that not only will it secure the future of one of the district’s most important historic buildings but it will also contribute to its economic growth and its aim to be a focus for low carbon businesses.

Permission had already been granted for vital repair and maintenance to the listed buildings that make up Cannington Court, which is owned by Bridgwater College. This work is being carried out by Somerset firm C S Williams using skilled craftsmen from the area, with 19 of their 20 suppliers being from the South West, and of those 17 are from Somerset.

The latest permission granted by Sedgemoor District Council was the subject of several exhibitions back in May so local people could see what would be involved and their feedback was used to help shape the final proposals.

Included in the consent is an extension to Cannington Court for a reception, internal work on the Priory Barn, refurbishment of Priory Lodge and the Dairy Block and as well as a new building in place of the Amory Block, which will be demolished. The main courtyard will be landscaped and car parking provided.  

Parts of the buildings date back to the 12th century when they were connected to a Nunnery and they include a mediaeval barn and walled garden with plants from all over the world. The new centre will have state-of-the-art facilities and accommodation for 50 people.

Confirming that permission had been granted for all the work to go ahead, Sedgemoor District Council leader, Cllr Duncan McGinty, said:

“This is a tremendous scheme, where everybody benefits. The buildings and their beautiful gardens will be preserved for us all to admire and the College and EDF Energy will have facilities for education and training that will be the envy of visitors from far and wide.”

Portfolio holder for Strategy and Business, Cllr Anne Fraser, said:

“In the spirit of true partnership, the council has worked with the College, the County and the developer to make sure this project, which has so much to offer the local community as well as the area as a whole, gets off the ground and we are delighted with the outcome.”

Marc Coltelli, head of the EDF Energy project, said on hearing the news:

‘‘EDF Energy and Bridgwater College are delighted that consent has been granted.  This is a significant step in achieving our joint ambition to restore Cannington Court.   In partnership with Bridgwater College and with local community involvement, we want to create a world class environment for learning and skill development and a showcase for innovation and sustainability. I would also like to thank Sedgemoor District Council and English Heritage for their support and co-operation and look forward to working with them in the future.”