The Planning Committee of Bath and North East Somerset Council met on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 and approved the conversion of a roof void into two one-bedroom flats in Keynsham. The committee also noted a report on new planning appeals lodged, decisions received, and dates of forthcoming hearings and inquiries.

Conversion of Roof Void to Two Flats in Keynsham

The committee granted permission for the conversion of a roof void at a development site next to 2, Mayfields, Keynsham, to create two one-bedroom flats. The officers' recommendation to permit the application was supported, with an additional condition requiring the provision of three parking spaces before the occupation of any of the six flats in the building.

During the debate, Councillor Hal MacFie highlighted the development's sustainable location, noting its proximity to bus routes and Keynsham train station, and the local need for one-bedroom apartments. Councillor Fiona Gourley seconded the motion to permit the application. Councillor Ian Halsall also spoke in favour, emphasising the sustainable location and the demand for one-bedroom flats. Councillor Shaun Hughes expressed some reservations regarding the size and character of the development site but acknowledged that the application was policy compliant. The motion to permit the application was carried unanimously.

The decision was made in accordance with the council's development plan, including policies from the Bath & North East Somerset Core Strategy, Placemaking Plan, and Local Plan Partial Update, as well as national planning policy. The application was referred to the committee by Keynsham Town Council due to concerns about parking. However, officers were satisfied that the provision of three parking spaces, along with four cycle parking spaces, was adequate for the six one-bedroom apartments, given the site's sustainable location. The previous Section 73 application could not be used to apply for additional flats, necessitating this new full application.

Planning Appeals

The committee noted the report detailing new planning appeals lodged, decisions received, and dates of forthcoming hearings and inquiries. This report included information on appeals lodged for applications at Somerset Cottage, 14 Somerset Lane, Lansdown, Bath, and 105 Holcombe Close, Bathampton, both of which had been refused. It also detailed appeals that had been dismissed, including those for Augusta, Norton Lane, Norton Malreward; 23 Kelston Road, Newbridge, Bath; Staddle Stones, 5 Saltford Court, Saltford; The Hollies, Hillcrest, Pensford; and Parcel 2300, Brinscombe Lane, Wellow.