The Planning Committee of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Wednesday 15 January 2025, where they granted permission for a new housing development in East Harptree, subject to a review of several conditions. An application for three dwellings in Whitchurch was withdrawn from the agenda.

Planning Application for Whitecross House, East Harptree

The committee considered an application for the development of four dwellings at Whitecross House, Whitecross Road, East Harptree. The proposal involved subdividing the main house, converting ancillary stables, and erecting one new dwelling.

Officers recommended that permission be granted, subject to conditions. A verbal update from the Case Officer noted an additional objection that did not raise new issues, and an amendment to the report to reference the Council's duty under Section 86 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, and to include reference to the special qualities of the Mendip National Landscape.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by councillors regarding the potential for over-development, insufficient green space, and loss of amenity. Councillor Shaun Hughes stated that the application was bordering on over-development. Councillor Fiona Gourley echoed these concerns, adding that the site could be converted to holiday accommodation in the future. Councillor Deborah Collins also expressed concern about over-development and limited outside amenity, despite acknowledging the need for additional housing.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson suggested that some issues could be addressed through conditions, particularly ecological matters relating to bats and swifts, and archaeological finds.

Ultimately, Councillor Toby Simon moved that officers be delegated to permit the application, subject to a review of conditions. These included a restriction to prevent holiday lets, the removal of permitted development rights to prevent further hard surfaces, strengthening of ecological compliance conditions for bats and swifts, and strengthening of the archaeology condition. This motion was seconded by Councillor Tim Warren CBE, who, despite reservations about the height of the new dwelling, believed the application was policy compliant.

The motion was carried with six votes in favour and four against. The committee resolved that officers be delegated to permit the application subject to the review of conditions, including:

• A restriction to prevent holiday lets.
• The removal of permitted development rights to prevent further hard surfaces.
• Strengthening of the ecological compliance condition to ensure remediation measures for bats and swifts meet satisfactory standards.
• Strengthening of the archaeology condition in relation to significant archaeological discoveries.

A number of conditions were attached to the permission, covering aspects such as biodiversity net gain, bat mitigation, wildlife protection, construction management, flood risk and drainage, archaeology, materials, landscape design, air source heat pumps, lighting, junction visibility, ecological compliance, water efficiency, and the removal of permitted development rights for hardstanding.

Withdrawn Application for Woodlands, Whitchurch

An application for the erection of three dwellings and associated works at Woodlands, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch was withdrawn from the agenda. This was due to the application being registered incorrectly, requiring re-registration and a new consultation period.

Appeals Report

The committee also considered a report on new planning appeals lodged, decisions received, and dates of forthcoming hearings and inquiries. The committee resolved to note the report.