Plans to construct a cul-de-sac within the garden of a bungalow in Saltford have been approved following a reduction in the number of houses proposed. The initial plan to demolish 22 The Tynings and replace it with five bungalows on the property’s expansive garden was unanimously rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee in January, with councillors deeming the development excessive.
After revisions, the developer proposed building four bungalows instead of five, addressing some of the committee’s concerns. This amended plan received planning permission by a narrow margin of one vote.
Morgan Jones, town planner representing the applicant, stated, “The applicant and the architect have carefully considered the comments made during the original application review and believe this revised proposal addresses those issues.”
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Despite objections from neighbouring residents who argued that insufficient changes had been made, councillors found the new plan more acceptable. Saltford’s local councillor, Duncan Hounsell (Liberal Democrat), highlighted that reducing the number of dwellings increased the potential for on-site biodiversity net gain.
Fiona Gourley, planning committee member for Bathavon South (Liberal Democrat), described the development as an efficient use of space given the urgent need for new homes. She added that the bungalows, being smaller and affordable, would be suitable for older residents.
However, not all were convinced. Councillor Paul Crossley (Southdown, Liberal Democrat) maintained that even four homes constituted overdevelopment, calling the proposal “cramming far too much into this space.” He criticized it as an attempt to meet government pressure to increase housing at all costs.
The planning committee ultimately voted 5-4 in favour of the revised cul-de-sac scheme.