The Planning Committee of Bath and North East Somerset Council convened on Wednesday 18 March 2026, discussing a range of planning applications. Key decisions included the approval of a change of use for 26 Wedgwood Road to a seven-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), the permission for a solar array and ground source heat pump at Rainbow Wood House, and the approval of a change of use and internal/external alterations at 15-17 Trim Street to create fifteen new apartments. The committee also approved the demolition of a house at 54 Stonehouse Lane and the erection of two new dwellings, and permitted the erection of a new detached dwelling at Lansdown Close. Additionally, permission was granted for extensions and retrofitting at 1 Audley Close, and the committee resolved to permit the installation of a solar array and ground source heat pump at Rainbow Wood House, subject to conditions.

26 Wedgwood Road, Whiteway, Bath

The committee approved the change of use of 26 Wedgwood Road from a single dwelling to a seven-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This decision was made despite concerns raised by Councillor Sarah Moore and several objectors regarding the concentration of HMOs in the area, the potential overdevelopment of the site, and inadequate communal space. The case officer's report indicated that the HMO density within a 100-metre radius would be 9.2%, which is below the 10% policy threshold. Councillor Ian Halsall, Cabinet Project Lead for Council Environmental and Waste Services and Member Advocate for Engagement with Students, reluctantly supported the recommendation, acknowledging that the policy regarding HMO concentration was flawed and under review. Councillor Shaun Hughes, Independent Group Spokesperson, voted against the application, citing concerns about overdevelopment and amenity impacts. Ultimately, the application was approved by a vote of 6-3.

Rainbow Wood House, Widcombe Hill, Widcombe, Bath

Permission was granted for the installation of a ground-mounted solar array and a ground source heat pump at Rainbow Wood House. The proposal, which includes associated landscaping, was recommended for approval by officers, who found that the benefits of renewable energy generation outweighed the identified harms to the Green Belt, World Heritage Site, and listed buildings. Councillor Tim Warren CBE, Conservative Group Leader, voted against the recommendation, expressing concerns about the scale of the solar array. Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson, who voted in favour, highlighted the importance of addressing the climate emergency. The decision to permit the application was made by a vote of 7-2, with a delegation to permit subject to conditions, including those related to vegetation and ecology.

15-17 Trim Street, City Centre, Bath

The committee approved the change of use of 15-17 Trim Street (Chartist House), a Grade II listed building, from offices to residential use, allowing for the creation of fifteen new market housing apartments. This decision was made subject to a Section 106 agreement for a financial contribution of £152,860 in lieu of affordable housing and £1,530.73 towards Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) provision. Councillor Tim Ball, Chair of the Committee, voted in favour, as did Councillor Paul Crossley. Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson voted against the recommendation, expressing concerns about the lack of affordable housing. The application was approved by a vote of 6-3. Listed building consent was also granted for the internal and external alterations.

54 Stonehouse Lane, Combe Down, Bath

The committee approved the demolition of the existing house at 54 Stonehouse Lane and the erection of two new two-storey dwellings. This decision was made despite objections from Gillian Carpenter, representing neighbours, who argued that the development was overdevelopment and would negatively impact residential amenity. Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson voted against the officer's recommendation, citing concerns about the scale and impact on the conservation area. Councillor Shaun Hughes supported the officer's recommendation, stating that the design was good for the location. The application was permitted by a vote of 6-3.

Lansdown Close, College Road, Lansdown, Bath

The committee voted to permit the erection of a new detached dwelling within the curtilage of the existing dwelling at Lansdown Close. This decision was made against the officer's recommendation, with Councillor Dr Eleanor Jackson moving a motion to overturn the recommendation due to concerns about overdevelopment, harm to the conservation area, and inadequate access. Councillor Shaun Hughes seconded this motion. However, Councillor Toby Simon spoke in favour of the officer's recommendation, stating that the design was good for the location. The motion to overturn the officer's recommendation was defeated, and the committee voted to permit the application by a margin of 6-3.

1 Audley Close, Lower Weston, Bath

Permission was granted for the demolition of an existing single-storey side extension and the erection of a two-storey side extension and single-storey rear extension at 1 Audley Close. The decision was made despite objections concerning overdevelopment, design, heritage impact, and neighbouring amenity. Councillor Councillor Tim Warren CBE, Conservative Group Leader, voted against the officer's recommendation, citing concerns about the scale and impact on the conservation area. Councillor John Leach, Member Advocate for Climate Resilience, voted in favour, commending the applicants for their efforts to minimise visual impact. The application was permitted by a vote of 6-3.

Appeals Report

The committee noted the report on new planning appeals lodged, decisions received, and dates of forthcoming hearings/inquiries. There were no specific comments from members on this item.

Date of Next Meeting

The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Wednesday, 15 April 2026, with site visits scheduled for 13 April 2026.

The meeting concluded with a formal closing, and members were asked to remain for a 10-minute briefing on the new appeals procedure.