Planning appeals impact housing developments in Somerset

A government inspector has overturned a decision by the Bath & North East Somerset Council regarding a property in Odd Down. The inspector granted planning permission to convert a three-bedroom house on Banwell Road into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) for three to six students. While council officers had previously rejected the application due to concerns that the property would be sandwiched between two HMOs and cause unacceptable noise and disturbance, the inspector ruled that the noise impact would likely be limited and similar to that of a family home.

In a separate matter near Burnham-On-Sea, a recent planning inspectorate ruling has highlighted flood risks in the region. An individual was ordered to remove residential accommodation at Swallows Rest due to concerns regarding flood zone 3 classifications and the protection of open countryside. Despite this ruling, Barratt Homes Bristol continues to propose a major development of approximately 2,000 homes, including a primary school and community facilities, as part of Somerset Council’s emerging Local Plan.