Somerset Council notifies Bridgwater Town Council of all planning applications within the town. As a non-statutory consultee, the Town Council reviews these applications and determines whether to submit comments for consideration.
At its meeting on Thursday 13 November 2025, Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee considered a planning application for the conversion of 11 Church Street, Bridgwater, into an eight-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). The planning application number is 08/25/00163/GNN
Following discussion, the Committee reached a unanimous, cross-party decision to strongly object to the proposal.
Councillor Tim Mander, Chair of the Planning Committee, said
“The Committee feels Bridgwater is reaching breaking point with the creation of Houses in Multiple Occupation.
“In this instance, we agreed to object on three key grounds: the fundamental change to the character of a family-orientated neighbourhood, the insufficient parking provision in an already congested area, and the high likelihood of increased noise and disruption to adjacent residential properties.”
Members also expressed broader concerns about the rising number of HMOs across the town.
The Committee has called for tighter controls on new HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) consents, highlighting growing concerns about the strain these developments place on local communities and infrastructure.
Members stressed the importance of robust planning measures to protect residents and maintain sustainable growth and will be engaging with both the Somerset Area North Planning Team and Hinkley Point C to reinforce this message.
The final decision on the application will be made by Somerset Council’s Area Planning Committee North.
