Plans to turn the Cheddar Valley Inn in Wells into two homes have been knocked back by Somerset Council after officials said the scheme didn't provide enough detail to prove it was safe for road users.

Red Oak Taverns Ltd wanted to convert the 18th‑century Tucker Street pub — inside the Wells Conservation Area — into a two‑bed and a one‑bed house with gardens and parking. The application included drawings, landscaping proposals and reports on ecology, heritage and traffic.

But in refusing application 2025/0347/FUL, planners said the information on how vehicles would access and park on the site was "insufficient and inconsistent" and could not demonstrate that highway safety rules would be met.

Supporters had argued the building has stood empty for more than a year and that making it residential would put a vacant property back into use and add much‑needed homes to the city. Marketing and viability evidence submitted with the bid suggested there was no demand for the Cheddar Valley Inn as a business.

The refusal means the developer will likely need to revise the plans and address the council's concerns about access and parking before trying again. Local residents will be able to comment again should a fresh application be submitted.

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