Here are the biggest local planning stories from the past week in Wells

'Permissive Discrimination'

Disabled residents of a recently-completed Somerset housing estate face a longer journey to access local facilities due to a lack of convenient step-free access.

Bovis Homes has been constructing the Priory Fields development of 203 new homes on the western edge of Wells, just north of the Strawberry Line multi-user path which links the homes to the city's leisure centre.

Able-bodied residents moving into the new homes are able to access the Strawberry Line via a set of steps, very close to the site of a planned school – while disabled residents have to take the long way around and use a similar access at the south-western corner of the site.

Read more here

Hotel's Makeover

The Swan Hotel in Wells, a landmark that featured prominently in the hit film Hot Fuzz, could soon undergo a fresh new look under plans submitted to Somerset Council.

Located on Sadler Street in the Wells Conservation Area, the Grade II listed building has applied for advertisement consent to modernise its signage, lighting, and overall branding.

The proposals include illuminated lettering, a new projecting sign, directional signage for the reception and car park, and a decorative awning.

Read the full story here.

U-turn on Homes

Nearly 50 homes will be built on the edge of Wells after all following a U-turn by local councillors.

Wells LVA LLP and Little Burcott Ltd. applied in August 2023 for outline permission to build 47 new homes on the B3139 Elm Close, near the junction with Gypsy Lane.

Somerset Council's planning committee east (which handles major applications within the former Mendip area) narrowly voted to refuse the plans in early-December 2024, citing fears of road safety, landscape impact, flooding and a lack of funding for the Strawberry Line and other local cycle routes.

Read more here.

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