This week in North Somerset:

Children's Homes and Listed Buildings Take Centre Stage at Planning Committee

The Planning and Regulatory Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to consider a range of significant planning applications, including a proposal for a new children's home and alterations to a Grade II listed building. The committee also discussed updates to the council's planning procedures.

New Children's Home Proposed for Winscombe

A key item was the planning application for a change of use at 16 Well Close, Winscombe. The proposal sought to convert a six-bedroom dwelling into a children's home for up to three young people aged between 8 and 18. This development is intended to address a critical need for residential accommodation for children in care within North Somerset, as identified in the North Somerset Sufficiency Strategy 2024-2027.

Despite the clear need, the application faced 57 letters of objection from local residents. Concerns raised included potential impacts on parking, highway safety, noise levels, and the suitability of the Winscombe location. Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council supported the principle of the development but sought assurances regarding parking and operational intensity to ensure the home integrates well with the existing residential character. The report recommended approval of the application, subject to conditions, highlighting the council's commitment to providing safe and supportive environments for vulnerable young people.

• Link to meeting: Planning and Regulatory Committee, 23 September 2026

Heritage Concerns Over Clevedon Access Plans

Two applications concerning Woodspring House, 17 Hill Road, Clevedon, a Grade II listed building, were also discussed. The proposals involved the creation of a new vehicular entrance and driveway.

The first application sought full planning permission for the new access. However, the Highway Authority recommended refusal due to concerns about inadequate visibility and potential detriment to highway safety. The Council's Conservation Officer also advised against the proposal, stating that altering the historic boundary wall would result in the loss of significant historic fabric and harm the setting of the listed building and the surrounding Clevedon Conservation Area.

A separate application for Listed Building Consent for the same works was also recommended for refusal. The key issue was the proposed removal of approximately 7.3 metres of the historic boundary wall, which the Conservation Officer deemed would negatively impact the character and appearance of the listed building and conservation area. These decisions underscore the council's responsibility to protect its heritage assets while balancing development needs.

• Link to meeting: Planning and Regulatory Committee, 23 September 2026

New Scheme of Delegation for Planning Applications

The committee also considered a report on a proposed New Scheme of Delegation for planning applications. This update, presented by Jason Beale, Head of Planning, aims to align with upcoming legislative changes that will introduce a two-tier decision-making structure for planning functions. The new procedures, set to be implemented by 31 October 2026, will clarify how applications are categorised for officer delegation or determination by the committee, ensuring a more streamlined and efficient planning process.

• Link to meeting: Planning and Regulatory Committee, 23 September 2026

Audit Committee Reviews Financial Health and Risk Management

The Audit Committee convened on Thursday 24 September 2026 to scrutinise the council's financial governance, risk management, and audit activities. The meeting covered a broad range of topics essential for ensuring the council's financial integrity and operational effectiveness.

Significant Risks Highlighted in Q1 Update

A key discussion point was the Q1 Risk Management Update for 2026-27. The report revealed that as of the end of June 2026, the council's Strategic Risk Register contained 19 risks. At the inherent risk scoring, 11 risks were identified as 'High' and seven as 'Medium-High'. Crucially, at residual risk scoring, eight risks remained 'High'. This indicates ongoing significant pressures in critical areas such as:

• Financial sustainability
• Climate commitments
• Infrastructure
• Workforce capacity
• Cyber resilience
• SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) provision

Six strategic risks were noted as having a negative direction of travel, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring and proactive intervention to safeguard services and residents.

External Audit Reports on Financial Statements

The committee also received draft reports from the External Auditor concerning the 2025-26 financial year. These included the draft Audit Report, which assesses the council's arrangements for Value for Money (VfM), and the draft Audit Opinion, which confirms the accuracy and fairness of the financial statements. The committee was also set to consider the draft Statement of Accounts for 2025-26 and a draft Letter of Representation, which is a formal confirmation from management to the auditor. These reports are vital for public trust and accountability, ensuring that council funds are managed responsibly.

Treasury Management Performance

An update on Treasury Management for 2025-26 and 2026-27 was also presented. The report indicated that net interest income continued to outperform the budget, and all treasury management activities complied with the approved strategy and limits. This suggests prudent management of the council's investments and borrowing.

• Link to meeting: Audit Committee, 24 September 2026

Other Matters

Chairperson's Annual Report and Internal Audit Update

The committee also heard the Chairperson's Annual Report for 2025-26, outlining the committee's activities and effectiveness. An update on Internal Audit progress for 2026-27 was also provided, confirming that work was underway with no audit reports issued to date resulting in 'limited' or 'no' assurance. However, the report noted that significant unplanned work had been completed in areas such as High-Cost Care Placements within Children's Services and Adult Social Services, reflecting the ongoing pressures in these vital service areas.

• Link to meeting: Audit Committee, 24 September 2026

This week in North Somerset:

Sand Bay Holiday Village Seeks Late-Night Extension, Residents Raise Concerns

Residents near Sand Bay Holiday Village in Kewstoke have voiced strong objections to a proposed extension of licensable activities until 3:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The application, submitted by Britannia Jinky Jersey Ltd, seeks to extend the sale of alcohol, live and recorded music, and late-night refreshment from the current 1:00 AM.

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 18 September 2026 to consider the variation to the premises licence. Thirteen representations from local residents highlighted concerns about public safety and the prevention of public nuisance. Issues raised include potential noise from music and patrons, the risk of drink-driving due to the rural location and limited public transport, and light pollution. Some residents also expressed worries about the impact on local wildlife and the loss of quiet enjoyment of their properties.

The application is being considered under the Licensing Act 2003, which mandates that licensing authorities promote four key objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. The applicant has agreed to additional conditions requested by the Police. The committee had the option to grant the application as submitted, with modifications, or refuse it.

• Link to meeting: Licensing Sub-Committee, 18 September 2026

Council Faces Significant Budget Pressures Amidst Rising Care Costs

North Somerset Council's Cabinet met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 and received a stark update on the council's financial performance, revealing a projected overspend of £8.729 million for the first four months of the financial year 2026/27. This figure, while an improvement from the previous month's forecast, highlights significant financial challenges ahead.

The most substantial pressures are in Adult Social Services, facing an £8.1 million overspend, and Children's Services, with a £3 million overspend. These figures are largely attributed to increased demand for services and rising care costs. Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of the Council, emphasised that behind these figures are residents who require essential support. Adult social care currently supports over 2,600 residents, including those with complex needs and older people.

The council is also grappling with a widening budget gap for its Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) 2027-2031, with a forecast deficit of £12 million for 2027/28 and £40.5 million over the four-year period. This escalating gap is driven by increasing costs in adult social care and ongoing reductions in government funding. The plan includes an assumption of a 4.99% annual increase in council tax, a measure that will place further financial strain on households.

Councillor Bell stressed the need for a balanced budget and outlined ongoing efforts to address these pressures, including a council-wide transformation and change programme. Residents will be consulted on service priorities and budget approaches, with a draft budget to be published in December for further public comment.

• Link to meeting: Cabinet, 16 September 2026

New Strategy to Manage North Somerset's Highways

North Somerset Council's Cabinet has approved and adopted a new Highways Asset Management Policy and Highway Asset Management Strategy. This strategic framework aims to provide a long-term, risk-based, and evidence-led approach to managing the council's highway infrastructure.

Councillor Hugh Malyan, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, presented the strategy, highlighting its alignment with national best practices and its role in supporting the council's statutory responsibilities. The strategy is designed to improve lifecycle planning, enhance network resilience, contribute to climate objectives, and ensure better value for money.

Despite these improvements, the transcript of the Cabinet meeting revealed that the council faces a significant backlog of £60 million in highway repairs. While the council is investing around £10 million in highway maintenance this financial year, topping up funding with an additional £2.5 million, this is still insufficient to address the scale of the problem. Councillor Malyan noted that national highway funding is significantly higher per mile than for local authority roads, and called for increased, sustained investment to make a tangible difference to the road network.

• Link to meeting: Cabinet, 16 September 2026

Other Matters

Employment Sub-Committee Discusses Grievance Appeal

The Employment Sub-Committee met on Monday 14 September 2026. The primary item on the agenda was a Stage 3 Grievance Appeal. The meeting's proceedings, including the appeal hearing procedure and the deliberation process, were conducted with the exclusion of the press and public due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

• Link to meeting: Employment Sub-Committee, 14 September 2026