Issue - meetings

In 2024 the Council received planning permission for a 16-unit specialist supported housing development on land to the rear of 89-123 Englishcombe Lane, Bath.  The Council is now able to proceed with the proposed development and the Cabinet is asked to provide final authority and budget approval.

Cllr Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, introduced the report, moved the officer recommendation and made the following points:

·  The proposed development is not just policy compliant—it is award-winning and designed to meet critical local needs.

·  The improved design replaces a previously approved 37-home scheme with a less dense, more sensitive plan based on community feedback.

·  The development offers housing for 16 vulnerable residents, including individuals with autism or learning difficulties, and young people transitioning from children’s services.

·  The onsite services are designed with care professionals to provide a quiet, low-stimulus environment and onsite support for independent living.

·  Despite a lack of national protection for local Tufa flushes, the scheme treats ecological features as assets, achieving a 20% biodiversity net gain—double the policy requirement.

·  The scheme has received national recognition being shortlisted in the Design in Mental Health Awards and winning both a National Planning Award and National Design Award.

·  The scheme was heavily shaped by local input. Residents who demanded a better alternative were heard and their feedback directly influenced the redesign.  There will be continuing community involvement during the build-out phase.

·  Cllr McCabe thanked Homes England, council officers, and residents for their contributions to the scheme’s success.

Cllr Paul May seconded the motion.  He expressed support for the development and emphasised its importance for adults with complex needs. He highlighted the scheme’s planning approval and budget authorisation as a vital step toward addressing a local shortage of supported living accommodation. The housing is designed to offer a peaceful, accessible environment with onsite care, enabling residents to live independently while staying close to their families and avoiding costly placements outside the area.

Cllr Mark Elliott also expressed support for the scheme.  He noted that it would help to reduce financial pressure on Adult Services and would also improve the provision for those vulnerable people with complex needs for whom the Council has a statutory and moral duty to support.  It also represents the best option available from an environmental perspective.

Cllr Joel Hirst welcomed the evolution of the housing scheme for this site.  The Cabinet and officers have listened carefully to the concerns of residents regarding the original scheme.  The new scheme is integrated into the community making it easier to access local amenities.  The goal is to create a peaceful living environment for residents with high needs to be able to live as independently as possible.

RESOLVED (unanimously):

(1)  To implement the development, composed of 16 units of specialist supported housing, as approved in planning application reference number 24/01168/REG03, or its successors in function.

(2)  To delegate authority to the Director of Capital and Housing Delivery to accept Homes England Grant, associated with the development, and other relevant significant delivery decisions.