Bath and North East Somerset Council has approved a £10.1 million housing development on the city’s controversial “tufa field” near Englishcombe Lane. Despite local opposition due to the site’s rare limestone tufa formations and unique wildlife habitat, the council insists the new supported housing project will significantly improve lives while preserving the ecological value of the area.
The tufa field has been earmarked for housing development for around two decades, but previous plans for 37 homes were abandoned following concerns over density and impact. Now, the council is moving forward with a scaled-back proposal: 16 supported housing units designed specifically for individuals with complex needs such as autism and learning disabilities.
Planning permission was granted a year ago, and on September 12, the council cabinet unanimously allocated over £10 million in capital funding to build the homes. Matt McCabe, cabinet member for the built environment, housing, and sustainable development, described the project as “an excellent award-winning scheme” that meets an unmet community need and will improve the lives of vulnerable residents.
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The housing will be constructed in two clusters situated on either side of the tufa flushes, allowing the unique natural features to remain a central part of the development. The scheme recently earned both a national planning award and a national housing design award in recognition of its innovative and sensitive approach.
McCabe highlighted the council’s responsiveness to local residents’ concerns, noting that reduced density and ecological sensitivity were key priorities: “We listened to the community and designed the scheme to treat the tufa flushes as an ecological asset.”
Paul May, the cabinet member responsible for social care and support, emphasized that the specialist housing will provide tailored care on-site, enabling residents to live independently in a peaceful, low-stimulus environment close to their families. This approach aims to reduce the council’s reliance on costly out-of-area placements and keep support local.
The council’s funding decision, although unanimously approved, attracted criticism from campaigners who raised concerns over the redacted business case and lack of publicly available financial details. Critics argue that transparency is essential when committing significant public funds.
Nonetheless, council member for resources Mark Elliott affirmed the project’s financial and environmental merits, calling it the “best option available.”
The council plans to issue a tender later this month and award the contract by November. Construction is expected to start with enabling works in February 2026 and full site work commencing by July 2026, with completion anticipated in March 2028.
Reflecting on the project’s development, McCabe said: “This is a nationally excellent scheme, and we wouldn’t be here without community intervention. To those who demanded a better approach if development was to proceed, you were heard. We listened and went back to the drawing board — and these national awards are proof of that.”