The Bishop's Palace in Wells is pressing ahead with plans for a new water play area despite conservation officers describing the design as "wholly inappropriate" for its historic site.

Trust bosses announced this week that the popular Dragon's Lair play area will be expanded to include a misting 'rain tree', babbling boulders, a shallow paddling pool and a living canopy of plants.

A bat house and bird box will also be added to support local wildlife, while a new pump and pipework will draw water from the site's spring-fed pools.

The existing play area — which already features a dragon carving, climbing equipment, tree pods and a working waterwheel inspired by local folklore — has long been popular with families, and the trust says the new additions will further its appeal.

Palace CEO Merryn Kidd said the new area had been designed with both families and sustainability in mind. "The Dragon's Lair is already very popular with families, and we consider our younger visitors to be the audience of the future," she said.

"We're delighted to further enhance their visit with this exciting new area. Given the hot weather we're seeing more frequently every summer, we know that families will benefit from somewhere to stay cool. Being able to draw water from our own springs is a fantastic achievement and makes this a sustainable solution too."

The scheme has been developed with creative play specialists Green Play Project, who design sustainable and inclusive spaces for families. It is expected to open later this year.

However, the project has come under scrutiny from heritage officers at Somerset Council, who said elements such as the misting 'rain tree', paddling pool and resin-bound surfaces were "wholly inappropriate" and "unsympathetic" for the Grade II* listed site and the wider Wells Conservation Area. They called for a more natural, weather‑resilient approach and said no heritage impact assessment or public consultation had taken place.

advertisement

The Palace Trust withdrew its listed building consent application earlier this week after concluding it was not required for the project. The scheme will now move forward, with heritage officers' feedback under review as designs are refined.

The existing Dragon's Lair play area remains open to the public throughout the summer, with the new water play zone due to launch later this year.