The Planning Committee of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Wednesday 12 March 2025, determining a range of planning applications. Key decisions included the refusal of an extension at 105 Holcombe Close, Bathampton, due to concerns about residential amenity, and the permission of several other applications, including agricultural buildings at New Leaf Farm and the installation of shepherd's huts for guest accommodation at the Ring of Bells pub in Compton Martin.

Refusal of Extension at 105 Holcombe Close, Bathampton

The committee refused planning permission for a single and two-storey side extension, along with new flat roof dormers, at 105 Holcombe Close, Bathampton. The refusal was based on the significant harm the two-storey extension would cause to the residential amenity of the neighbouring property at 107 Holcombe Close, citing loss of light, overshadowing, and an overbearing impact. This decision aligns with Policy D6 of the Placemaking Plan and Part 12 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Permission Granted for Agricultural Buildings at New Leaf Farm

Permission was granted for the erection of two agricultural storage buildings at New Leaf Farm, Mill Lane, Bathampton. The application was brought before the committee due to a connection between the applicant and an elected member of the council. Despite objections from Bathampton Parish Council and local residents, officers recommended permission, citing that the buildings were for agricultural use and therefore not inappropriate development in the Green Belt. The proposed buildings were deemed to be of an appropriate agricultural appearance and would assimilate with the existing farm complex. Conditions were attached to ensure flood resilience and to secure details of external lighting to avoid harm to wildlife.

Shepherd's Huts Approved at The Ring of Bells, Compton Martin

The committee granted permission for the installation of six shepherd's huts for guest accommodation at The Ring of Bells pub in Compton Martin. This application involved a change of use from a public house (Sui Generis) to a mixed use including visitor accommodation. Concerns were raised by Compton Martin Parish Council and local residents regarding sustainability, design, access, parking, and potential impacts on protected species and the local landscape. However, officers concluded that the development was policy compliant, providing economic benefits to the pub and local area. Conditions were imposed to ensure the huts were used solely for holiday accommodation, to provide secure cycle storage, and to ensure details of lighting were submitted and approved.

Other Planning Decisions

• Parcel 7512, Fosseway, Englishcombe, Bath: Permission was delegated for the reprofiling of land for agricultural improvement, biodiversity benefits, and landscape screening. This decision followed a complex planning history and an enforcement notice for non-compliance with previous conditions. The committee noted the efforts to find a solution and the conditions imposed to manage potential issues.
• Plots 25 and 26, The Smallholdings, Claude Avenue, Twerton, Bath: Permission was delegated for the erection of new commercial buildings. Despite concerns raised by the ward councillor regarding potential safety impacts on children due to the intensification of use of an unadopted road, the committee found the established industrial use and the provision of small business units acceptable.
• Barnlea, Withy Mills, Paulton, Bristol: Permission was delegated for the retrospective erection of four agricultural buildings. Concerns were raised by the Parish Council and local residents regarding the necessity of the buildings, their use, and potential impacts on highway safety and amenity. However, officers were satisfied that the buildings were commensurate with the agricultural activities on the site.
• Hazel Elm, Old Midford Road, Midford, Bath: The committee overturned the officer's recommendation for refusal and delegated permission for the erection of a replacement dwelling. The original recommendation was based on the dwelling being a disproportionate addition to the Green Belt. However, the committee considered that very special circumstances existed due to extant permissions for a similar-sized link extension and a lawful development certificate for a single-storey extension, meaning these elements could be lawfully constructed.
• Lake View, Stoke Hill, Chew Stoke, Bristol: Permission was delegated for the erection of rear extensions. The committee found that very special circumstances existed to permit this development in the Green Belt, citing the extant permissions for elements of the proposed development.
• St Anthonys, The Barton, Corston, Bath: Permission was delegated for the erection of a three-bedroom, two-storey house in the garden of the existing house. Despite objections from Corston Parish Council regarding the development's impact on the Green Belt and Conservation Area, the committee agreed with officers that the proposal constituted limited infill development and would complement the existing dwelling and landscape.
• New Leaf Farm, Mill Lane, Bathampton, Bath: Permission was delegated for the erection of two agricultural storage buildings. The application was brought to committee due to a connection between the applicant and an elected member. Despite objections regarding the site's planning history and flood risk, officers recommended permission, noting the buildings were for agricultural use and would be flood-resilient.
• 10 Berkeley Place, Walcot, Bath: Listed building consent was granted for internal work to replace the existing damp-proofing system in the basement. The work was deemed necessary to address significant water ingress and flooding, with officers concluding the impact on historic fabric was acceptable given the circumstances.

The committee also noted a report on new planning appeals lodged, decisions received, and dates of forthcoming hearings and inquiries.