Plans to carry out work on the chapel at Bubwiths Almhouse have been given the go-ahead by Mendip District Council. It is hoped that the alterations will make the chapel more accessible to both almshouse residents, and the wider community.

The Bubwith Almshouse was built in 1436 from a legacy provided from the estate of the former Bishop of Bath & Wells, Nicholas Bubwith, and over the years has undergone several renovations.

Almshouse residents can access the chapel from the south side, via a series of passages and courtyards, but the public access is from the north side, on Chamberlain Street. Part of the planned work is to make the public approach more welcoming. According to the Design and Access Statement submitted as part of the planning application, "Firstly, the north porch will be cleaned and conserved. These works will enhance the significance and setting of the building as well as the view along the street that has been identified as important in the Conservation Area Appraisal. Secondly, the outer door will opened on regular basis and with the external door open, the north porch offers a shelter and resting place and above the door, the benefactor board reminds all visitors of the building's role – to care for the elderly in the community."

There will also be a traditional sign hanging above the door, with the Bubwith Coat of Arms.

Inside the chapel the planned changes include removing a step to aid accessibility, installing underfloor heating and radiators, changes to the seating arrangements including moving pews to make the space more flexible, and a new floor pattern incorporating the Bubwith coat of arms, reflecting the former pew positions and recording the restoration works

It is hoped that the changes will mean that the chapel is not only a more comfortable and accessible place of worship, but that it can also add to the range of community and performance spaces within the city.

Other planning news:

Applications validated

Springfield, Haybridge Hill, Haybridge, Wells

Demolish existing dwelling and construct new 1No. dwelling. 

Brew House, Wells Road, Chilcompton

Demolition of existing conservatory and erection of a single storey rear extension

Lane End Farm, Bleadney Batch, Bleadney

Removal of existing barn & replacement with new 

Barrington House, Old Wells Road, Croscombe

Application for approval of details reserved by conditions 17 (Lighting Design for Bats) on planning consent 2017/2166/FUL

25 Back Lane, Westbury Sub Mendip

T1-Silver Birch Crown reduce by 2m. T2-Acer Crown reduce by 3m.

East End Meadow, East End Lane, Chewton Mendip

Erection of an agricultural machinery storage building incorporating honey extraction and bee hive storage rooms. 

Everards Farmhouse, Nedge Lane, Chewton Mendip

Internal refurbishments to existing farm buildings, extension to swimming pool building, install 4no. pods, provision of car parking, proposed external terrace to parlour building.

Croft House, Clapton Road, Clapton

Erection of outbuilding and creation of outdoor swimming pool. 

The Chalet, Woodlands, Easton Hill, Easton

Siting of 4no Holiday Lodges

Applications decided

West Side, Honeyhurst Lane, Rodney Stoke

Removal of condition 5 (Occupancy: The development shall not be occupied other than by Gypsies and their families as defined in Section 24(8) of the Caravans Sites and Control of Development Act 1960 as amended, or such other persons as first agreed in writing by the local planning authority) of permission 112284/005 (APP/Q3305/A/03/1122950) Extension to existing day room to form bungalow.

Decision: Refusal

Casa Mia, Parsonage Lane, Chilcompton

Erection of single storey glazed extension to front elevation

Decision: Approval

42 - 42A High Street, Wells

Change of Use of first & second floors to form 2no. one-bedroom flats and internal alterations to ground floor.

Decision: Withdrawn

Wells Cathedral School, 15 North Liberty, Wells

Alteration to existing site access, formal definition of ancillary car parking area, and erection of reception building.

Decision: Approval

Bubwiths Almshouses, Priest Row, Wells

Chapel re-ordering and refurbishment to include external and internal alterations.

Decision: Approval