The future use of two former public houses dominated discussions at Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee meeting held on 24 September.
Committee members considered proposals relating to the former Bridgwater Arms on St Mary Street, and the former Crown Inn on St John Street, with concerns raised about the scale of development, parking provision and the potential impact on surrounding residential communities.
The first application related to 41 St Mary Street, most recently known as the Bridgwater Arms, but remembered by many local residents as the Waterloo. The proposal sought permission to convert the existing building into 13 short-stay apartments, alongside the construction of a further 19 short-stay apartments to the rear of the site.
Whilst members welcomed efforts to bring a vacant building back into use, the committee concluded that the proposal represented overdevelopment of the site. Concerns were also raised regarding insufficient parking provision and the potential for a concentration of short-term accommodation to generate anti-social behaviour, affecting nearby residents.
The committee therefore resolved to object to the application on those grounds.
Members also considered an application for the former Crown Inn, 96 St John Street, which proposed the conversion of the building into a 14-room House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).
The committee raised concerns over the lack of adequate parking provision and the potential impact the development could have on the character and amenity of the surrounding neighbourhood. Particular attention was given to the proximity of existing residential properties in Liberty Place and the effect that increased occupancy levels could have on local residents.
As a result, the committee agreed to submit an objection to the proposal.
Chair of the Planning Committee, Cllr Tim Mander said,
“Whilst the committee made it clear they supported proposals to bring former buildings back into use, they had deep reservations about the applications before them.
“Once more, residents are faced with the prospect of over-occupation of buildings within residential areas, with the potential to significantly alter the character of the immediate neighbourhood. We recognise the need for redevelopment and investment, but this must be balanced against the needs of existing communities and the suitability of the sites being proposed.”
The Town Council’s comments will now be forwarded to Somerset Council, which will make the final determination on both planning applications.