Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee considered several planning applications at its meeting on 15 October 2026, with members raising concerns about infrastructure provision in relation to major housing developments, while supporting plans to bring a historic town building back into use.
The Committee maintained its previous objection to proposals at Folletts Farm, Dunwear Lane, pending satisfaction from National Highways regarding the scheme. Members also expressed concerns about the level of public transport provision proposed for the development.
The Committee also considered an application for 220 new dwellings on land west of Risemoor Road and north of Rhode Lane. Members resolved to object to the proposal on the grounds of insufficient highway capacity to accommodate a significant increase in vehicle movements, inadequate public transport provision to serve the development and a lack of primary healthcare infrastructure for future residents.
In contrast, the Committee resolved to support plans for the former Bridgwater Community Hospital, which include the partial demolition of later additions to the Grade II listed building to facilitate its conversion into the proposed Somerset Health and Care Academy. Members recognised the opportunity to bring the historic building back into beneficial use, subject to due consideration being given to crime prevention and security recommendations made by Avon and Somerset Police.
Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Tim Mander said,
“The Committee has been consistent in its approach to major development proposals and the need for such schemes to address the underlying infrastructure requirements they create. This includes suitable access arrangements, effective public transport links and adequate primary healthcare provision.
“The Committee was not satisfied that these important thresholds had been met in respect of the two large housing applications considered at this meeting.”
The Committee also agreed to strengthen its case for Somerset Council to introduce an Article 4 Direction relating to new Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Bridgwater.
At present, the conversion of a dwelling into an HMO accommodating up to six residents does not require planning permission. An Article 4 Direction would remove these permitted development rights, meaning planning permission would be required and allowing the impact on local communities and the character of residential streets to be fully considered through the planning process.
Cllr Mander added,
“There is a growing concern about the concentration of HMOs in certain parts of the town and the cumulative impact this can have on established neighbourhoods. An Article 4 Direction would provide greater local oversight and ensure that changes of this nature are properly assessed through the planning system.”
Currently, all HMOs must be registered. Of Somerset’s 551 registered HMOs, 188 are located in Bridgwater, accommodating 1,227 people. While Bridgwater accounts for approximately 7.4 per cent of Somerset’s population, it contains around 34 per cent of the county’s registered HMOs. Members noted that some streets and neighbourhoods, including Ashleigh Avenue, Coronation Road and Cranleigh Gardens, have experienced the effects of a high concentration of such properties.
The committee’s responses will now be submitted as part of the formal planning process and considered alongside responses from other consultees before a decision is made.