Ninth Attempt to Redevelop Derelict North East Somerset Farm Finally Approved on Technicality

After nearly a decade and nine applications, the owners of Halfway Farm in North East Somerset have finally secured approval to redevelop their long-derelict property—thanks to a minor technicality.

Halfway Farm’s neglected farmhouse, located just off the B131 near the historic Stanton Drew roundhouse, has been described by its owners as unsafe to enter “without extreme caution.” Surrounding the farmhouse are a series of deteriorating farm buildings that have long been considered an eyesore. Over the years, owners Rupert and Maria Gibson have repeatedly sought permission from Bath and North East Somerset Council to convert the site into housing, only to face consistent rejections.

Their persistence has paid off after seven planning applications and two appeal attempts, culminating in an approval granted on a narrow procedural ground. The approved plan involves a major transformation of the large barn on site, converting it into four smaller residential units, while the surrounding barns will be demolished. Notably, the farmhouse itself, located at the corner of the property, remains untouched by the redevelopment.

While the Stanton Drew Parish Council has supported the plans, Bath and North East Somerset Council repeatedly expressed safety concerns, particularly regarding pedestrian access. The only route to the farm is along the busy B131, which lacks a pavement, raising fears for pedestrian safety.

When the fifth planning application was refused in 2023, the Gibsons appealed to the planning inspectorate. Planning inspector Alexander O’Doherty upheld the refusal, citing a “treacherous walk along a busy road with fast-moving traffic” for anyone accessing local bus stops on foot.

However, a breakthrough came during the latest appeal process. The council exceeded its statutory 56-day decision deadline after requesting a revised map from the Gibsons. Although the Gibsons submitted the updated map a month after the initial request, the council responded 54 days later with a refusal. On appeal, planning inspector David Kay determined that the original map was adequate and therefore the council’s late decision was invalid.

As a result, the appeal was allowed, overturning the council’s refusal and granting redevelopment approval based purely on this technicality. This marks a significant victory for the Gibsons, who have now succeeded in their persistent efforts to breathe new life into the neglected farmstead.