Local councillors have rejected plans to extend a house of multiple occupation (HMO) on Rhode Lane, a bustling residential street in Bridgwater. The proposed extension, submitted by Jotdale Properties in November 2025, aimed to increase the property’s capacity from six to eight bedrooms.
Bridgwater has experienced a surge in HMOs recently, partly due to demand from workers at the nearby Hinkley Point C construction site. The property in question sits at the eastern end of Rhode Lane, a street characterized by terraced housing and limited parking near the junction with the A38 Taunton Road.
The existing building features a communal lounge, kitchen, and dining area on the ground floor alongside one bedroom, with five additional bedrooms on the first floor. Currently undergoing modifications to install skylights, the proposal sought to add an extension at the rear, encroaching on the property’s garden space.
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During the April 14 planning committee meeting, councillors expressed strong opposition to the expansion, citing over-development and inadequate parking. Councillor Brian Smedley, representing Bridgwater South, highlighted the neighborhood’s changed character due to the high concentration of HMOs and stressed the area’s struggles with parking congestion.
Bridgwater Town Council also opposed the scheme, pointing to concerns over increased density, parking shortages, access difficulties, and the negative effect on the local community’s character.
Councillors Alistair Hendry and Hilary Bruce echoed these sentiments, calling for measures to manage the cumulative impact of HMO developments and protect residential neighborhoods. The Hamp estate, where the property is located, is slated for major regeneration backed by a £20 million government fund.
Ultimately, the planning committee voted overwhelmingly—nine to one—to refuse the application, positioning the council firmly against unchecked HMO expansion in the area.