Plans to construct a cul-de-sac within the garden of a bungalow at 22 The Tynings, Saltford, have received planning approval following a reduction in the number of proposed houses. Initially, the applicant sought permission to build five bungalows on the site, which was described as a ‘rather large’ back garden. However, Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee unanimously rejected this proposal in January, citing concerns of overdevelopment.
In response, the developers revised their application to reduce the number of bungalows from five to four. This amendment led to a narrow approval by the committee, with a 5-4 vote in favor. Town planner Morgan Jones, representing the applicant, highlighted that the revised proposal addressed the earlier concerns raised by councillors.
Despite opposition from neighbouring residents who felt insufficient changes had been made, councillors acknowledged the improvements in the new plans. Duncan Hounsell, local councillor for Saltford and a Liberal Democrat, praised the revision for cutting the number of dwellings and enhancing biodiversity net gain at the site.
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Fiona Gourley, a planning committee member for Bathavon South, emphasized the efficient use of space and the benefits of creating smaller, affordable bungalows suitable for older residents.
However, some councillors remained skeptical. Paul Crossley, representing Southdown, criticized the development as still being overpacked, voicing concerns that it was driven by government pressure to increase housing stock.
Ultimately, the slight majority of the planning committee backed the revised plan, allowing the cul-de-sac construction with four bungalows to proceed.