The Planning Committee of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Wednesday 7 May 2025, determining four planning applications. Decisions were made on applications for alterations to a dwelling in Bathampton, the retention of agricultural hardstanding in Wellow, and the conversion of a residential annexe to a dwelling in Keynsham. A decision on a temporary solar photovoltaic farm in Paulton was deferred pending a site visit.

Applications for Planning Permission

Kennet Lodge, Kennet Park, Bathampton, Bath

The committee considered an application for the reconfiguration and alteration of an existing dwelling, including a single-storey extension and an additional storey to replace the existing pitched roof of a chalet bungalow. Despite objections from Bathampton Parish Council and local residents concerning overdevelopment, loss of privacy, and impact on heritage assets, the officers' recommendation to permit the application was carried by a vote of 7 in favour and 3 against. The decision was delegated to officers to permit the development, subject to conditions and consideration of an additional condition relating to screening to protect residential amenity.

Pines Way, Westmoreland, Bath

An application for the redevelopment of the former Homebase site to provide residential dwellings, shared living accommodation, and commercial floorspace was unanimously approved. The committee voted 10 in favour and 0 against, delegating authority to officers to permit the application subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement. This agreement includes a £1,000,000 commuted sum for affordable housing, contributions towards fire hydrants, targeted training and recruitment, a travel plan bond, securing a cycle route access, contributions towards parks and recreation, and the council's carbon offsetting fund.

Parcel 2882, Water Lane, Paulton, Bristol

The committee deferred a decision on the temporary installation of a ground-mounted solar photovoltaic farm with battery storage. The application was deferred pending a site visit, with the motion to defer being carried by 6 votes in favour, 2 against, and 2 abstentions. Concerns were raised by local residents and the Parish Council regarding noise, visual impact, construction traffic, and the long-term viability of the temporary installation.

Little Horse Croft Farm, Ford Road, Wellow

Permission was granted for the retention of contractors' compound as additional agricultural hardstanding. The application was approved unanimously with 10 votes in favour and 0 against. Conditions were attached relating to a Biodiversity Gain Plan and the implementation of a landscaping scheme.

The Hollies, Charlton Road, Keynsham, Bath And North East Somerset

The committee granted permission for the subdivision of land and conversion of an existing residential annexe to a dwelling. The decision was carried with 7 votes in favour and 3 against. Conditions were attached relating to standard time limits, plans list, water efficiency measures, and the blocking up of fenestration on the northern elevation to safeguard residential amenity.

New Planning Appeals Lodged, Decisions Received and Dates of Forthcoming Hearings/Inquiries

The committee noted the report on new planning appeals lodged, decisions received, and dates of forthcoming hearings/inquiries. Notably, an appeal lodged for 21 Darlington Place, Bathwick, concerning an extension and alteration to a garage, and an appeal for Street Record, May Lane, Newbridge, regarding the installation of EV charging bays, were noted. Appeals were dismissed for 23/04243/OUT at Hartley Wood, King Lane, Clutton, and 23/03610/FUL at 9 Van Diemen's Lane, Lansdown, Bath. An appeal was allowed for 20/00001/HHEDGE at Church Farm Cottage, Penn Hill Lane, Queen Charlton.

Quarterly Performance Report: 1 Jan - 31 Mar 2025

The committee received and noted the quarterly performance report for the period of 1 January to 31 March 2025. The report highlighted that all three categories of planning applications (Majors, Minors, and Others) had consistently met or exceeded target times for determination for over eight years. The number of planning applications received showed a 4% increase compared to the previous 12 months, and a 14% increase compared to the same quarter in the previous year. The delegation rate remained high, and the percentage of refusals was very low, attributed to the effective pre-application advice service. Performance on planning appeals was noted as being better than the national average, with no planning appeal costs awarded against the council in the financial year. Enforcement investigations showed a slight increase in investigations launched and in hand. Tree work applications continued to perform excellently, with 100% of applications for works to trees subject to a Tree Preservation Order determined within 8 weeks. Customer feedback and Ombudsman complaints were also noted as being positive, with no upheld complaints. The report also provided an overview of Section 106 Agreements and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds received and potential liabilities. Finally, the report detailed Chair referrals, indicating a slight increase in applications referred to committee.