Councillors at Bath and North East Somerset Council have unanimously rejected plans to demolish a bungalow at 22 The Tynings in Saltford and replace it with a cul-de-sac of five new bungalows. The proposed development on the property’s sizeable rear garden was deemed “cramped” and overdeveloped.
John Blake, the architect representing applicant Sandy Veer, explained at the planning committee meeting that the existing bungalow, over 70 years old and extensively extended, occupies an inefficient use of a nearly quarter-hectare site. He noted the garden was historically used for growing fruit, vegetables, and grapes, but had become difficult to maintain as the previous owners moved into retirement accommodation.
However, nearby resident Ruth Presswood expressed strong opposition, highlighting the proposed dwellings would sit directly against existing homes, leading to significant loss of privacy and a constricted feel. Saltford’s local councillors also voiced their concerns. Duncan Hounsell described the layout as “unnatural and cramped,” while Chris Warren called the plan “overdevelopment” of the plot.
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Planning committee member Paul Crossley described the proposal as among the most overdeveloped schemes he had seen recently, calling it “completely inappropriate” for Saltford and potentially even unsuitable for Bath. Several councillors were troubled by the small garden sizes for the new properties, especially those at the cul-de-sac’s end. Tim Warren was the sole member unconcerned, stating, “If you don’t want a small garden, you don’t buy it.”
The committee unanimously dismissed the application, citing the cramped layout and insufficient green and amenity spaces as harmful to the area’s character, along with negative impacts on neighboring residents’ quality of life.
This decision came despite the council currently lacking a five-year housing supply—a consequence of the government doubling Bath and North East Somerset’s housing target in 2024. While this “tilted balance” policy generally favors development, councillors agreed the harm caused by this project significantly outweighed its benefits.
Paul Crossley emphasized that the sudden increase in housing targets should not force acceptance of unsuitable developments, stating: “I think this fails on a number of reasons.” Council officers reminded members to carefully consider the tilted balance, noting that nationally, appeal decisions show harms must clearly outweigh benefits to justify refusal.