Conservation officers have criticised design elements of the proposed expansion to the Dragon's Lair play area at the Bishop's Palace in Wells, describing the plans as "wholly inappropriate" for the historic site.

Submitted earlier this year, the listed building consent application – 2025/0177/LBC – included a sculptural misting 'Rain Tree', a shallow paddling pool, babbling boulders and a plant-covered canopy. Water was to be pumped from the palace moat via a new system.

But conservation officers at Somerset Council have raised concerns about the impact on the Grade II* Registered Park and Garden and the wider Wells Conservation Area.

In published comments, they wrote: "The current proposed design is considered wholly inappropriate and unsympathetic to the historic and sensitive context of the site."

They objected to materials such as metal structures and resin-bound surfacing, calling them "visually intrusive", and said the scheme risked undermining the heritage significance of the area. Officers also questioned the need for a paddling pool, noting the absence of any public consultation or heritage impact assessment to justify it.

Instead, the conservation team advised that a more natural, weather-resilient design would be better suited to the landscape and local climate.

The Palace Trust withdrew the application for listed building consent application earlier this week, after it was concluded that listed building consent for the project was not required.

The project itself is still expected to proceed, with the officers' feedback under review.

advertisement

The proposals were designed by Benjamin + Beauchamp Architects, and are part of wider efforts by the Palace Trust — which runs the site as a charity — to attract more families and boost visitor income.

The existing Dragon's Lair remains open to the public, featuring carved dragons, climbing structures, tree pods and a working waterwheel inspired by local legend.