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.
04/02/2025 - Planning Application 2024/0407/FUL - The Lucky Chance, Portway, Frome ref: 1571 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East
Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Planning Committee - East
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
RESOLVED
That Officers be given delegated authority to GRANT planning application 2024/0407/FUL contrary to the Officer’s recommendation, subject to evidence being provided by the applicant to demonstrate that the building would be capable of supporting the weight of the panels and associated elements. The benefits of the scheme outweighed the harms identified to heritage assets.
Votes – Unanimous
04/02/2025 - Planning Application 2024/0750/FUL - Farrington Golf Club, Marsh Lane, Ston Easton, Wells ref: 1570 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East
Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Planning Committee - East
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
RESOLVED
That planning application 2024/0750/FUL be APPROVED in accordance with the Officer’s recommendation with an additional pre-commencement condition for details of the bund and additional landscaping features to be submitted to the Council for approval and thereafter implemented in full.
Votes – 8 for, 4 against
04/02/2025 - Planning Application 2023/1070/FUL - Land North of Styles Close, Frome ref: 1569 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East
Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Planning Committee - East
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
RESOLVED
That planning application 2023/1070/FUL be REFUSED contrary to the Officer’s recommendation due to significant harms that would be caused to residential amenity and limitations of the accessibility of the site, which would be contrary to Policies DP1 and DP7. The harms identified outweighed the benefits of the scheme.
Votes – 11 for, 2 against
04/02/2025 - Planning Application 2021/1675/EOUT - Land South of Frome bounded by Marston Road, B3092/Railway Line and A361, Frome ref: 1568 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - East
Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Planning Committee - East
Decision published: 06/02/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Decision:
RESOLVED
To NOTE that planning application 2021/1675/EOUT was called in by the Secretary of State on 3 February 2025.and that a further report will be brought back to the Committee (once the Inquiry timetable is published) for Members:
- to determine the LPA’s position and the contents of its Statement of Case/Written Statement to the Local Inquiry; and
- to address the specific matters referred to in Paragraph 7 of the Call-in Letter that the SoS/Inspector wishes to be informed about for the purposes of her consideration of the application.
Votes – 12 for, 1 abstention
03/02/2025 - Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Rent Setting and Fees & Charges for 2025/26 ref: 1562 For Determination
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 03/02/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, and discussion, the Executive resolved to endorse the recommendations and refer to Full Council for approval:
1. Rent Setting for 2025/26
a. An increase of 2.7% on Dwelling Rents for 2025/26 in line with the Governments Rent Standard.
b. An increase of 2.7% for Sheltered and Extra Care housing rents in line with the dwelling rents increase.
c. An increase of 2.7% for Shared Ownership properties.
d. An increase of 2.7% on affordable rental tenures, with the rent being reviewed at relet based on 80% of open market rent capped at the LHA rate.
2. Fees & Charges for 2025/26
a. The service Charges for 2025/26 as shown in Appendix A for Homes in Sedgemoor and Appendix B for the In-House Service.
b. An increase of 2.7% for garage rents in the North.
c. A freeze on garage rents in the West.
d. An increase of 1.7% on temporary accommodation daily rates.
e. An increase of 1.7% for Meeting Hall hourly rental rates.
f. An increase of 1.7% for Guest Room charges.
g. To discontinue the lifeline subsidy from 1 April 2025 for all new tenants (whereas existing tenants will still benefit from this protection).
3. To note that the Revenue Budget for 2025/26, Capital Budget for 2025/26 to 2029/30, MTFP and 30-Year Business Plan Update will be presented to a later Executive / Full Council in February 2025.
03/02/2025 - Determination of 2026/27 Somerset Council Admission Arrangements ref: 1567 Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 03/02/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to:
- Determine the Admission Arrangements for all Local Authority Voluntary Controlled and Community Primary Schools for the 2026/27 academic year as set out in this report.
- Determine the Admission Arrangements for all Local Authority Voluntary Controlled and Community Secondary Schools for the 2026/27 academic year as set out in this report.
Lead officer: Phil Curd
03/02/2025 - Council Organisation Restructure ref: 1560 Recommmend Forward to Council
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 03/02/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive resolved to:
1. Review the organisational structure proposals and potential impacts on staff, services and the budget, including proposed mitigating activities.
2. Endorse and recommend the organisational structure proposals as part of the Head of Paid Service’s report to Full Council.
3. Agree, where any proposed changes to service delivery as a result of the organisation structure proposals will impact on existing approved service standards, to delegate authority to the relevant Service Director to revise the service standards and also complete a review of any impacted plans and policies (in consultation with their Executive Lead Member) before the end of May 2025. These are set out in Appendix B.
03/02/2025 - Budget Savings, Pressures, Fees and Charges 2025/26 ref: 1561 For Determination
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 03/02/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, and discussion, the Executive resolved to endorse the proposals below for approval by Full Council:
- Additional Budget Savings proposals for 2025/26 of £2.918m as set out in Tables 1, 3 and Appendix A
- Budget Growth proposals for 2025/26 of £57.642m reducing to £55.719m by 2027/28 as set out in Table 2 and Appendix B
- The proposed changes to Fees and Charges for 2025/26 as set out in Appendix C
03/02/2025 - Regional Devolution Proposals ref: 1564 Recommmend Forward to Council
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 03/02/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, and discussion, the Executive resolved to:
1. Note the publication of the Government’s devolution White Paper and welcomes the Government’s devolution policy objectives (as set out in section 2 of this report), including the ambitions to extend the geography of devolution across the country and increase the powers, functions and budgets devolved to local areas.
2. Authorise the Leader and Chief Executive to continue to work with partner authorities and Government departments (including Dorset. Wiltshire and BCP Councils in the Wessex grouping) to promote and develop a joint strategic approach to devolution.
3. Recommend that Full Council:
a. endorses the principle of Somerset Council working with partner local authorities (including Dorset, Wiltshire and BCP Councils) to secure a devolution settlement for the Wessex area and the ambition of the partners to be part of Government’s Devolution Priority Programme.
b. accepts that Wessex has agreed to be available to Swindon Borough Council and North Somerset Council should they wish to join Wessex at a later stage.
c. recognises that the geographies of authorities within the Devolution Priority Programme are identified as areas for the creation of a new MSA from 2026/27 with mayoral elections in May 2026.
d. notes the potential opportunities to promote economic growth, skills and prosperity alongside the financial benefits and strategic and operational implications for Somerset Council arising from a devolution settlement and the creation of a MSA.
03/02/2025 - Somerset Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2025 - 2030 ref: 1565 Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 03/02/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, and discussion, the Executive resolved to:
- Consider and acknowledge the SHRSS consultation response.
- Consider the comments from the Scrutiny Committee – Adults and Health set out in paragraphs 11, 12 and 13
- Agree and adopt the Somerset Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy 2025-2030
- Delegate authority to Executive Director – Adult Services & Housing to bid for grant funding as opportunities arise and to approve any changes which may be required due to any legislative or central Government policy changes.
Lead officer: Jan Errington
03/02/2025 - Customer Feedback Annual Report and SC Complaints Policy ref: 1566 Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 03/02/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 03/02/2025
Decision:
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, and discussion, the Executive resolved to:
· agree the adoption of the revised Complaints Policy from 1st April 2025.
· sign-off the 2023/24 Annual Feedback Report and approve publication of it to the council’s website.
04/02/2025 - Extension of the Passenger Transport Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) ref: 1559 Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Decision Maker: Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 12/02/2025
Lead officer: Mike O’Dowd-Jones
04/02/2025 - Minor Works Service Dynamic Purchasing System ref: 1563 Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)
Commissioners are seeking approval to implement a Dynamic Purchase System for the management and operation of the Minor Works Service.
Decision Maker: Executive Director Adult Services & Housing
Decision published: 04/02/2025
Effective from: 12/02/2025
28/01/2025 - Planning application 24/01579/FUL - Land At Owl Street, Stocklinch, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9JN ref: 1548 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - South
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Planning Committee - South
Decision published: 30/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
Resolved
That planning application 24/01579/FUL to demolish the existing barns, which have a previously approved Class Q change of use and rebuild into 5no. new habitable dwellings at Land At Owl Street, Stocklinch, Ilminster, Somerset TA19 9JN be REFUSED, contrary to the officer recommendation, for the following reason:
The proposed development, notwithstanding the existing Class Q which has been given limited weight, is an unsustainable development in open countryside contrary to the NPPF and does not comply with SSDC Local Plan Policy SS2 – Development in Rural Settlements.
Voting: 6 in favour, 4 against.
28/01/2025 - Planning application 23/01537/OUT - Land Off Crewkerne Road, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1HB ref: 1547 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - South
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Planning Committee - South
Decision published: 30/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
Resolved
That planning application 23/01537/OUT Outline Application with all matters reserved except for means of access for the erection of up to 230 dwellings with public open space, landscaping, sustainable drainage system (SuDS), main vehicular access point and secondary access point for emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists at Land Off Crewkerne Road, Chard, Somerset, TA20 1HB be APPROVED subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 Planning Obligation/Agreement and the stated planning conditions, with an additional condition to deliver a pedestrian crossing and access point from the A30 into the site and amendment to Condition 13, archaeology, to specifically reference the importance of recording, if appropriate, any information related to the WWII pillbox on the western boundary. Delegated to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Area Chair (South) and Division member.
Voting: 11 in favour (unanimous)
28/01/2025 - Planning application 23/01618/HYBRID - Hainbury Farm, Fosse Way, Ilchester, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8JD ref: 1546 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - South
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Planning Committee - South
Decision published: 30/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
Resolved
That planning application 23/01618/HYBRID Hybrid mixed-use planning application on land comprising: 1) FULL APPLICATION for the Demolition of Farm Buildings, Creation of a Nature Reserve, Vehicular Access, Landscaping, Engineering and Associated Works 2) OUTLINE APPLICATION with all matters reserved except for access for up to 200no. Dwellings, 1ha Employment Land, 0.5ha Local Facility Land, Public Open Space, Landscaping, Pedestrian/Cycle Access and Associated Works at Hainbury Farm, Fosse Way, Ilchester, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8JD be APPROVED as per the officer recommendation, subject to the prior completion of a Planning Obligation/Agreement and the stated planning conditions and an amendment to include the extra informative regarding glazing standards for residential development. Delegated to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Area Chair (South).
Voting: 10 in favour, 1 abstention.
28/01/2025 - Planning Application 20/02297/OUT - Land North Of Brewham Road, Bruton, Somerset ref: 1545 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Planning Committee - South
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Planning Committee - South
Decision published: 30/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
Resolved
That planning application 20/02297/OUT Outline application with the Wyvern Close access to be determined, all other matters reserved, for residential development of up to 65 dwellings, together with public open space, a drainage scheme and associated works, and the principle of land to be safeguarded for a new GP Practice at Land North Of Brewham Road, Bruton, Somerset be APPROVED as per the officers recommendations, subject to the prior completion of a Planning Obligation/Agreement and the stated planning conditions. Delegated to the Head of Planning in consultation with the Area Chair (South).
Voting: 8 in favour, 1 against, 1 abstention.
30/01/2025 - Delegated Decision - Appointments to Outside Bodies and Committee Membership Updates - 30.01.25 ref: 1556 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Monitoring Officer
Decision published: 30/01/2025
Effective from: 30/01/2025
28/01/2025 - Update on Asset Investment ref: 1554 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
The Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee resolved to:
- Pass a resolution under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 2000 to exclude the press and public from the meeting, on the basis that if they were present during the business to be transacted there would be a likelihood of disclosure of exempt information, within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 2000:
Reason: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
- Exclude the press and public from the meeting where there is any discussion at the meeting regarding this report and the exempt or confidential information contained.
- Note the progress update.
28/01/2025 - Decision Report Regarding Directors of Aspen House ref: 1555 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee resolved to:
- Nominate and appoint Mel Lock, Executive Director – Adult Services and Kirsty Larkins, Interim Service Director – Housing as Council appointed directors to the board of Aspen Housing and Development Limited (Company number 10000266) with immediate effect.
- Nominate and appoint Mel Lock, Executive Director – Adult Services and Kirsty Larkins, Interim Service Director – Housing as Council appointed directors to the board of Sedgemoor Group Limited (Company number 10084596) with immediate effect.
28/01/2025 - Review performance indicators for the Investment Portfolio and main risks to the programme ref: 1549 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
The Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee resolved to:
- Note the performance indicators for the asset management of Commercial Investment Portfolio for Q3 2024/2025 as shown in Tables 1, 2 and 3 below.
- Note the main risks to the programme set out under paragraph 10.
28/01/2025 - Key Decision to implement dilapidations to D1 Christchurch Business Park ref: 1553 For Determination
To agree appointment of contractor to carry out dilapidation works to an investment property.
Decision Maker: Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 28/01/2025
Decision:
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee resolved to:
- Pass a resolution under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 2000 to exclude the press and public from the meeting, on the basis that if they were present during the business to be transacted there would be a likelihood of disclosure of exempt information, within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 2000: Reason: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
- authorise the recommendations regarding implementation of dilapidation works as set out in Confidential Appendix A.
- delegate the authority to make all necessary arrangements and agreements to conclude arrangements for the works to the Executive Director for Resources, Strategy and Transformation in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development Planning and Assets.
29/01/2025 - Procure Communal Cleaning Contract ref: 1551 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Executive Director Community, Place & Economy
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 06/02/2025
Lead officer: Simon Lewis
29/01/2025 - Devolution of Assets and Services to Wells City Council ref: 1550 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 06/02/2025
29/01/2025 - Ham Hill Country Park Visitor Centre Tender - Decision to Proceed and Award Contract ref: 1552 Recommendations Approved
Decision is request permission to proceed and award the tender post interviews (selected preferred company scored highest and came in under set budget).
Decision Maker: Executive Director Community, Place & Economy
Decision published: 29/01/2025
Effective from: 29/01/2025
27/01/2025 - Local Nutrient Mitigation Fund spend commitment - Project Two: Call for sites for land/nature-based solutions ref: 1538 For Determination
Decision Maker: Executive Director Community, Place & Economy
Decision published: 27/01/2025
Effective from: 04/02/2025
Lead officer: Kate Murdoch
23/01/2025 - Saxonvale, Frome ref: 1537 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Executive
Made at meeting: 23/01/2025 - Executive
Decision published: 23/01/2025
Effective from: 23/01/2025
Decision:
Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Executive:
Passed a resolution under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting, on the basis that if they were present during the business to be transacted there would be a likelihood of disclosure of exempt information, within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972: Reason: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).
Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, discussion, and a drafting amendment the Executive resolved:
A) To note under section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, Somerset Council has power to dispose of land not held for housing or planning purposes in any way it sees fit, providing it obtains the best consideration reasonably obtainable for that land (see legal and procurement implications below) and note the valuation of the site which is based on current planning policy conditions as a value reasonably attainable.
B) To note the site was identified as surplus at the Executive Meeting on 31st July 2024 following a recommendation from the Asset Management Group.
C) To agree the surplus site should be sold at a value above the reasonably attainable valuation.
D) To note and consider the funding letter supplied to support the proposal from Mayday Saxonvale Development Limited.
E) Subject to the above, to agree the council should proceed towards an unconditional sale of the site to Mayday Saxonvale Development Limited with a completion date prior to 31st March 2025 and to delegate responsibility for completing the necessary due diligence prior to sale and exchange on and completion of the sale, to the Executive Director for Community, Place and Economy in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets and the Interim Head of Legal Services. To ensure continued compliance with legal requirements and process as regards the Council’s statutory duties on a sale under s123 an updated valuation of the land will be obtained on or before exchange of contracts’.
F) Agrees the case for Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 to be regarded as exempt information and to be treated in confidence, as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.
22/01/2025 - Complaints policy and Annual Customer Feedback reports ref: 1536 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Scrutiny Committee - Communities
Made at meeting: 22/01/2025 - Scrutiny Committee - Communities
Decision published: 23/01/2025
Effective from: 22/01/2025
Decision:
The Committee discussed the report and resolved to recommend that there should be “Democratic oversight at Executive level at the point a complainant is likely to be restricted on their access to the Council under the ‘Managing Unreasonable Customer Behaviour Policy’.
Proposed by Cllr Hobhouse and Seconded by Cllr Kravis.