Decisions

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.

Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.

Decisions published

15/01/2025 - Somerset Council Improvement and Transformation Programme - January ref: 1519    For Determination

Decision Maker: Executive

Made at meeting: 15/01/2025 - Executive

Decision published: 16/01/2025

Effective from: 15/01/2025

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to:

 

  • Endorse the progress made in the month from 11 November – 6 December 2024. 
  • Consider the current assessment of programme risks which includes those with a score of 16 or higher that may arise during the change process, along with the status of actions to mitigate these risks, as detailed in Appendix A. 

 


15/01/2025 - Annual Public Health Report ref: 1521    For Determination

Decision Maker: Executive

Made at meeting: 15/01/2025 - Executive

Decision published: 16/01/2025

Effective from: 15/01/2025

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to note and endorse the recommendations in the report and agree its publication:

 

1.    Strong leadership across many organisations will be needed. The Somerset Board and constituent organisations commitment to a refreshed Local Declaration on Tobacco Control, (including commitment to not work with tobacco companies). 

2.    Support to Trading Standards to enforce the new tobacco and vaping legislation. 

3.    Support local workplaces to develop smoke-free policies that adhere to smokefree legislation, public sector organisations in Somerset should be exemplar employers. 

4.    Launch new, fresh communication and training campaigns that take a compassionate approach to smoking, supporting front line workers and members of our communities to have non-judgmental Very Brief Advice conversations about stopping smoking at every opportunity with signposting to support that meets their needs. 

5.    Strong engagement with people in Somerset to develop a new Somerset-wide action plan which develops services to meet the needs of people to stop smoking and protects people from second-hand smoke and smoking-related behaviour. 

6.    Focus our support towards groups with the highest rates of smoking, use behavioural insight research to understand what will work best to help them to stop smoking as well as to create more supportive environment. 

7.    Support schools, hospitals and care infrastructure to embed clear policies for smoking and vaping. 

8.    Stop smoking services should be further developed at hospital sites so 100% of patients are asked if they smoke and offered support to stop. 

9.    100% of pregnant women and partners should be screened using carbon monoxide monitors at booking and throughout pregnancy, and provided with appropriate support. 

10.To hit the target of smokefree by 2030, there needs to be strong measurement of progress against the target of 45,000. A collection of performance measures needs to be agreed with constant monitoring; as many measures as possible need to be ‘real time’ with little time lag. 

 

 

 

 

Lead officer: Trudi Grant


15/01/2025 - HRA Development Team and name change for Homes in Sedgemoor ref: 1522    For Determination

Decision Maker: Executive

Made at meeting: 15/01/2025 - Executive

Decision published: 16/01/2025

Effective from: 15/01/2025

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to:

 

  1. Approve the proposed name change from Homes In Sedgemoor to Homes in Somerset  
  1. Approve the TUPE transfer of the Somerset Council Development Team to Homes In Sedgemoor (Homes In Somerset), with the associated change to the Management Agreement, subject to formal HR consultation. 

 

Lead officer: Chris Hall


15/01/2025 - The Provision of General Nursing Care Block Beds in Somerset ref: 1523    For Determination

Decision Maker: Executive

Made at meeting: 15/01/2025 - Executive

Decision published: 16/01/2025

Effective from: 15/01/2025

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to agree:

 

  1. the outcome of the procurement process to award contracts to the supplies named in the Tender Evaluation Report Confidential Appendix B for General Nursing Block Beds, for the length of 5 years (plus permitted extensions of 2 years + 2 years + 1 year). 
  1. Commissioners to work with the care home market to explore a direct award for 10 Block Beds in Yeovil due to no bids being received during the procurement tender. 
  2. the case for applying the exempt information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore to treat the attached confidential Appendix B in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exception outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information. 

 


15/01/2025 - 2024/25 General Fund Revenue Budget Monitoring Report - Month 7 ref: 1520    For Determination

Decision Maker: Executive

Made at meeting: 15/01/2025 - Executive

Decision published: 16/01/2025

Effective from: 15/01/2025

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to:

 

a)    Note Council is now forecasting a balanced revenue position (on-budget). 

b)    Note the total Council revenue forecast underspend of £8.782m for the year. There is a forecast underspend of £2.722m within Service Directorates for 2024/25 and the Corporate Contingency of £6.000m, whilst remains unallocated it has been released into the forecast outturn within budget lines Table 1

c)    Note that the planned use of reserves of £36.800m for Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) Support towards the budget is forecast to reduce by £8.782m to £28.018m, due to the forecast underspend within budget lines (section 18). 

d)    Agree that mitigating actions are to be identified in order to reduce any overspends, to take action and to contribute to the long-term financial sustainability of the authority. 

e)    Agree that the Council continues with the aim of avoiding a Section 114 notice by taking all of the necessary actions and continuing to operate as if onehas been issued. 

f)      Note the progress and delivered savings of £17.050m of the approved savings programme as set out in Table 2 and Appendix J

g)    Note that work will continue to find mitigating or substitute savings for the £1.239m of Red unachievable savings, deliver the £5.004m Amber at risk savings and the £16.584m Green on track savings. 

h)    Note the in-year forecast overspend on the Dedicated Schools Grant of £32.767m, an increase of £4.508m from Quarter 2 (in section 12). 

i)      Note the total forecast Dedicated Schools Grant year-end deficit of £68.707m as set out in Appendix C

j)      Note the collection rates for Council Tax and Business Rates as set out in section 19. 

k)    Note the Capital Programme forecast outturn at Month 7 is £113.678m. 

l)      Approve that any application for Exceptional Financial Support for the 2025/26 budget is delegated to the Interim Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) as detailed in section 31 of this report. 

 

 

Lead officer: Leah Green


14/01/2025 - Planning Application 33/24/00010 Rookery Retreat, Northwick Road, Mark, Highbridge, TA9 4PG ref: 1526    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - North

Made at meeting: 14/01/2025 - Planning Committee - North

Decision published: 14/01/2025

Effective from: 14/01/2025

Decision:

Resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions detailed in the Officer’s Report.


14/01/2025 - Local Government Boundary Commission for England - Somerset Council's Submission for Phase 2 ref: 1527    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Constitution and Governance Committee

Made at meeting: 14/01/2025 - Constitution and Governance Committee

Decision published: 14/01/2025

Effective from: 14/01/2025

Decision:

Resolved that the Constitution and Governance Committee agreed to:

1.    Reject the recommendations of the Electoral Review Working Group for submission to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) for Stage 1 of Somerset Council’s Phase 2 response.

2.    Engage further with the LGBCE during Stage 2 of the public consultation for Phase 2.

3.    Encourage all Somerset Council members to submit their own proposal to the LGBCE for Stage 1 of Phase 2.

4.    The Monitoring Officer writing to the LGBCE requesting an extension of the deadline for Somerset Council to submit a proposal for Stage 1 of Phase 2 due to the challenges in finalising a submission that strikes a good balance in meeting the three statutory criteria.


14/01/2025 - Supplementary Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Grant. Rough Sleeper Drug and Alcohol Treatment Grant and Inpatient Detoxification Grant 2025-26 ref: 1518    For Determination

The Executive agrees to:

- Authorise the Executive Director of Population and Public Health or their Service Director to sign and deliver the grant agreement and contract variation to draw down the SSMTRG, RSDATG and IPD.

- Authorise the Executive Director of Population and Public Health or their Service Director to sign off the respective MOU’s with relevant government departments.

- Endorse the high level spend for the use of the SSMTRG, RSDATG and IPD.

- For Executive to receive an annual report against progress in delivering the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Strategy.



Decision Maker: Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment

Decision published: 14/01/2025

Effective from: 23/01/2025

Lead officer: Alison Bell


13/01/2025 - Human Resource Policies ref: 1525    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Human Resources Committee

Made at meeting: 13/01/2025 - Human Resources Committee

Decision published: 13/01/2025

Effective from: 13/01/2025

Decision:

After discussions surrounding the Sexual Harassment Policy it was resolved to approve the policy.


13/01/2025 - Health and Safety Policies ref: 1524    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Human Resources Committee

Made at meeting: 13/01/2025 - Human Resources Committee

Decision published: 13/01/2025

Effective from: 13/01/2025

Decision:

After discussions surrounding the various policies it was resolved to approve the below:

 

·       Risk Assessment Policy

·       Asbestos Policy

·       Responsibilities Policy

·       Reporting and Investigating Health and Safety Incidents Policy

·       Hazardous Substances Policy


10/01/2025 - Minehead Service and Asset Devolution ref: 1517    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications

Decision published: 13/01/2025

Effective from: 21/01/2025


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2024/0607/FUL - Land South of Corner Cottage, Blackey Lane to Withey Lane, Neighbourne, Shepton Mallet, Somerset ref: 1516    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2024/0607/FUL be REFUSED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

Votes – Unanimous

 

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2024/1319/FUL - Land at 379869 148317, Styles Hill to Berkley Cross, Rodden, Frome, Somerset ref: 1515    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2024/1319/FUL be APPROVED contrary to the Officer’s recommendation as a departure to the development plan as, taking into account the location of the site, the proposed re-use of a rural building and the contribution towards the housing supply, it was deemed that the harms of the proposal did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. That delegated authority be given to Officers to issue the permission subject to advertising the application as a departure and the imposition of necessary planning conditions.

 

Votes – 9 for, 1 against, 1 abstention

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2024/1408/FUL - Land West of Mount Pleasant Farm, Murtry Hill Lane, Buckland Dinham, Frome, Somerset ref: 1514    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2024/1408/FUL be REFUSED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

Votes – 6 for, 3 against, 2 abstentions

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2022/0669/FUL - The Lodge, Little Pennard Lane, East Pennard, Somerset ref: 1513    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2022/0669/FUL be REFUSED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

Votes – Unanimous


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2021/1226/FUL - Rear of 16 High Street, Shepton Mallet, Somerset ref: 1512    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2021/1226/FUL be REFUSED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

Votes – Unanimous

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2023/0864/FUL - Land at 377700 149200, Packsaddle Way, Frome, Somerset ref: 1511    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2023/0867/FUL be REFUSED contrary to the Officer’s recommendation for the following reasons:

 

The site is located outside of the housing development limit and is therefore contrary to the settlement strategy, as outlined in Policies CP1 (Mendip Spatial Strategy), CP2 (Supporting the Provision of New Housing) and CP4 (Sustaining Rural Communities) of the Mendip District Local Plan Part I. As the Council cannot currently demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply, the presumption in favour of sustainable development applies, as outlined in the National Planning Policy Framework. Although the site is adjacent to the settlement of Frome, the harms of the proposal would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. Harms include the principle of the proposal and being contrary to Policy  DP1 (Local Identity and Distinctiveness), Policy DP4 (Mendip’s Landscapes) and Part 1 of Policy DP16 (Open Space and Green Infrastructure) of the Mendip District Local Plan Part I. As such, the proposal is not considered to constitute sustainable development and is contrary to Policies CP1, CP2, CP4, DP1, DP4 and Part 1 of DP16 of the Mendip District Local Plan Part I and the National Planning Policy Framework.

 

Votes – 6 for, 3 against, 2 abstentions

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2024/1435/HSE - 62 Whitstone Rise, Shepton Mallet, Somerset ref: 1510    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2024/1435/HSE be APPROVED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation.

 

Votes – Unanimous

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2024/1223/FUL - Land at 361185 153689, Ston Easton Lane, Ston Easton, Wells, Somerset ref: 1509    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2024/1223/FUL be APPROVED as a departure to the development plan Policy DP24, contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, as the scheme was deemed to be in a sustainable location with no adverse impacts identified. The Committee also gave weight to the fact that the dwelling would be  constructed and occupied as a self-build unit.

 

That delegated authority be given to Officers to issue the permission subject to advertising the application as a departure, the prior completion of a S106 Agreement to ensure that the dwelling is constructed and occupied as a self-build unit and the imposition of necessary planning conditions.

 

Votes – 9 for, 1 against.

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2024/1051/OUT - Land at Pear Tree Farm, Cullen Farm Road, Glastonbury, Somerset ref: 1508    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2024/1051/OUT be REFUSED contrary to the Officer’s recommendation for the following reasons:

 

The Somerset East area is currently not able to demonstrate a five-year supply of deliverable housing sites. However, the application of policies in the National Planning Policy Framework that protect heritage assets provides a strong reason for refusing the development proposed, as set out below, and therefore the 'tilted balance' is not engaged. The development site is located outside of the development limit and would result in a cumulative change to the general character of the area, adversely affecting the significance of the nationally important heritage asset at Glastonbury Tor (ST MICHAELS CHURCH TOWER (scheduled monument and grade I listed building, list entry number 1345475)) through development in its setting.

 

Great weight is attached to the conservation of the asset, which is an asset of the highest significance.

 

The identified level of harm to the heritage asset is less than substantial and this harm is not considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal.

 

The proposed development is considered to be contrary to local plan Policy CP1, being located outside the settlement limits, and Policy DP3, as the public benefits of the proposal would not outweigh the harm to the asset's significance, through development in its setting, of the Mendip District Local Plan Part 1: Strategy & Policies, Adopted 15th December 2014 and with the plan as a whole.

 

Votes – 5 for, 3 against, 2 abstentions

 


07/01/2025 - Planning Application 2023/1515/OUT - Land at 353038 145483, Gypsy Lane, Wells, Somerset ref: 1507    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East

Made at meeting: 07/01/2025 - Planning Committee - East

Decision published: 09/01/2025

Effective from: 07/01/2025

Decision:

RESOLVED

 

That planning application 2023/1515/OUT be APPROVED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation subject to securing a substantial increase in the S106 contributions for the Strawberry Line. This be delegated to Officers in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair and Divisional Members.

 

Votes – 6 for, 2 against, 1 abstention