Agenda and draft minutes

The Democratic Services Officer will draw attention to the emergency evacuation procedure.

The Democratic Services Officer read out the emergency evacuation procedure.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Paul Crossley.

At this point in the meeting declarations of interest are received from Members in any of the agenda items under consideration at the meeting. Members are asked to indicate:

(a) The agenda item number and site in which they have an interest to declare.

(b) The nature of their interest.

(c) Whether their interest is a disclosable pecuniary interest or an other interest, (as defined in Part 4.4 Appendix B of the Code of Conduct and Rules for Registration of Interests)

Any Member who needs to clarify any matters relating to the declaration of interests is recommended to seek advice from the Council’s Monitoring Officer before the meeting to expedite dealing with the item during the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

There was no urgent business.

To note that, regarding planning applications to be considered, members of the public who have given the requisite notice to Democratic Services will be able to make a statement to the Committee immediately before their respective applications are considered. There will be a time limit of 3 minutes for each proposal, i.e., 3 minutes for the Parish and Town Councils, 3 minutes for the objectors to the proposal and 3 minutes for the applicant, agent and supporters. This allows a maximum of 9 minutes per proposal.

The Democratic Services Officer informed the meeting of the process for public speakers to address the Committee.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 18 February 2026 as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings of 18 February 2026 be confirmed as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

1.  25/04124/FUL - 26 Wedgwood Road, Whiteway, Bath,

Bath And North East Somerset

2.  25/04417/FUL - Rainbow Wood House, Widcombe Hill, Widcombe, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset

3.  25/03507/FUL - 15 - 17 Trim Street, City Centre, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset, BA1 1HA

4.  25/03508/LBA - 15 - 17 Trim Street, City Centre, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset, BA1 1HA

5.  25/04688/FUL - 54 Stonehouse Lane, Combe Down, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset, BA2 5DW

6.  25/04673/FUL – Lansdown Close, College Road, Lansdown, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset, BA1 5RR

7.  25/02450/FUL - 1 Audley Close, Lower Weston, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset, BA1 2XW

The Committee considered:

1.  A report and update report by the Head of Planning on the applications under the main applications list.

2.  Oral statements by members of the public and representatives.  A copy of the speakers’ list is attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

RESOLVED that in accordance with the delegated powers, the applications be determined as set out in the main applications decisions list attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

1.  25/04124/FUL - 26 Wedgwood Road, Whiteway, Bath, Bath And North East Somerset, BA2 1NX

The Planning Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the change of use from a single dwelling (C3) to 7-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO) (Sui Generis) which had been deferred from the previous meeting to enable further clarification on the density of HMOs within a 100m of the application site.  He confirmed that HMO density has been re-calculated to 9.2% (down from 9.9%) and the officers’ recommendation was that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

There were no question from Members.

Cllr Halsall acknowledged that the recalculation confirmed that there was less than 10% density of HMOs but commented that 10% was the maximum rather than a target.  He stated that he favoured purpose-built student accommodation rather than family homes being converted to HMOs but that the application was policy compliant and he would support the officers’ recommendation.

Cllr Hughes stated that he had concerns outside of the density issues in terms of the harms caused by overdevelopment of the site and the design of the development and he would not support the officers’ recommendation.

Cllr Jackson stated that although she supported students living in the community and affordable alternatives to purpose built accommodation, she was concerned about the number of people who would be living in this development and the logistics of getting cycles and bins through the living accommodation.

Cllr Gourley agreed that the amenity for the residents was not ideal but due to the HMO density being below 10% she did not consider there were any grounds to refuse the application. 

Cllr Halsall moved the officers’ recommendation.  This was seconded by Cllr Simon.

On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (6 in favour and 3 against).

RESOLVED that the application be permitted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

2.  25/04417/FUL - Rainbow Wood House, Widcombe Hill, Widcombe, Bath

The Planning Case Officer introduced the report which considered an application for the installation of ground mounted solar array and ground source heat pump closed loop underground borehole array, with associated landscaping.

He gave a verbal update to confirm amendments to the conditions as follows:

1.  An additional condition - Wildlife Mitigation and Enhancement Scheme (Compliance): - to secure compliance with the details already supplied.

2.  Updated condition in relation to the removal of solar panels to also include the removal of the frames, the gravel and permeable membrane with the addition of top soil to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

The Committee is asked to note the report.

The Committee considered the appeals report.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.