Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee has formally raised strong objections to a number of recent planning applications, reflecting ongoing concerns around development pressures, traffic impact, unsuitable land use and the continued proliferation of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across the town.
At its latest meeting, the Committee unanimously objected to the Bloor Homes proposal for 220 homes to the west of Risemoor Road. Councillors cited a substandard access route, the absence of a realistic travel plan to mitigate congestion and a failure to address primary healthcare capacity issues.
The Committee also unanimously opposed the application to convert 14–15 Cornhill (the former WH Smith building) into a 24/7 gaming centre. Members noted that the property had not been adequately marketed for retail use, questioned the suitability of a gaming centre in an area already known for anti‑social behaviour, and expressed frustration that Avon and Somerset Police had not been consulted.
Concerns around HMOs once again dominated discussions. Applications at 127 Bristol Road (conversion from a 6‑person HMO to a 9‑bedroom property) and 37 North Street (from a 6‑bed HMO to an 8‑bedroom property) were both recommended for refusal on the grounds of overdevelopment, insufficient parking and detrimental impact on neighbourhood character. Applications at 19 Church Street and 13 Lyndale Avenue sought certificates of lawfulness for existing 6‑bed HMOs; while the Council cannot object to these, it has formally recorded its concerns about the wider pattern of HMO expansion.
These latest cases come amid a growing catalogue of HMO‑related issues considered by the Town Council in recent months.
Earlier deliberations included the proposed conversion of 41 Taunton Road into an eight‑bedroom HMO, which the Committee unanimously recommended for refusal due to overdevelopment, changing neighbourhood character and inadequate vehicle access.
The Council has also repeatedly highlighted concerns regarding large-scale developments such as the planned 30‑bed HMO on Friarn Street, which Bridgwater Town Councillors opposed on grounds including overparking, flood risk and the impact on the town’s historic environment. Additionally, earlier applications on Church Street and a former care‑home conversion into an 18‑bed HMO were flagged for issues related to overdevelopment and the cumulative effect of multiple HMOs in close proximity.
Cllr Tim Mander, Chair of the Planning Committee said,
“The committee had to consider a large number of unacceptable planning applications including the Bloor Homes application for the site off Rhode Lane to a very disappointing proposed use of the prominent former WH Smith building in the town centre. To compound this the ever-increasing number of HMO’s is creating problems throughout the town.
“Bridgwater Town Council will continue to advocate for responsible development that protects the character and quality of life of local neighbourhoods, while urging Somerset Council to take full account of residents’ concerns in forthcoming planning decisions.”
Whilst the Town Council will continue to represent the voice of Bridgwater resident’s it is only a consultee when it comes to planning applications with the final decision resting with Somerset Council Area North Planning Committee.
