Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee met on Thursday 7 May 2026 to consider a range of planning applications, with particular focus on two proposals relating to Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Somerset Council consults Bridgwater Town Council on all planning applications within the town. While the Town Council plays an important role in representing the views of local residents, it acts in an advisory capacity, with final decisions resting with the Local Planning Authority.
The Committee unanimously raised objections, on a cross-party basis, to an application for the conversion of 6 Castle Street into a 14-bedroom House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). Members expressed significant concern that the proposal fails to comply with both national planning policy and the Council’s local development plan.
The Committee also highlighted that the scale and intensity of the development would be out of keeping with the historic character of Castle Street, one of Bridgwater’s most prominent Grade I listed Georgian streets. Members concluded that the proposal constitutes overdevelopment and would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area.
In addition, the Committee unanimously objected to an application to convert 41 Taunton Road from a six-bedroom to an eight-bedroom HMO. Members again cited concerns around overdevelopment and the potential erosion of the area’s character.
Further concerns were raised regarding parking arrangements, with the proposal relying on a substandard, unadopted access road that is considered unsuitable for accommodating additional vehicle movements.
Councillor Tim Mander, Chair of Bridgwater Town Council’s Planning Committee said,
“The Committee is becoming increasingly concerned by the growing number of HMOs across the town. The proposal to create a 14-bedroom HMO on Castle Street, Bridgwater’s most iconic Grade I listed Georgian street is not only inappropriate but wholly disproportionate.
“We urge developers to recognise that there must be a balance, and that protecting the town’s character and the wellbeing of established communities is essential.”
The Town Council will submit its formal objections to Somerset Council as part of the planning consultation process. The final decision on planning applications will be made by Somerset Council’s Area Planning Committee North.
