Shaun Hughes is a B&NES Councillor for Midsomer Norton (North) and also sits on numerous panels including the Planning Committee.

He says: “It’s been a year where both B&NES and Mendip Councils have made some very poor decisions regarding planning policy, there have also been some contentious applications such as 5G masts and Gas Generators and it’s important to show our opposition to these developments and I’m pleased to say that the local response has been great.

“Most recently B&NES Council have been trying to change South Road Car Park to a potential site for a housing development, It is clear that despite objecting at every stage B&NES Council have continued to ignore us and look for ways to sell our facilities. Our car park is a vital part of the town centre revival and survival and therefore is not for sale for housing, supermarkets or any other development.

“We must now await the full results of the consultation and I will continue to fight for the removal of this from the plan at the planning inspector’s examination hearing in 2022.

“As for Mendip Council’s ridiculous plan to build around 500 homes on our doorstep, sadly the planning inspector has found in favour of the plan, despite strong objections from myself, residents and B&NES, so this will be adopted into the Mendip Local Plan in December. This is an absolutely awful decision, as it’s clear that Midsomer Norton does not have either the infrastructure or employment opportunities to support this type of development and the increased traffic and commuting will impact on our ability to meet our climate and carbon reduction targets.

“Our options are now limited, however, I will continue to review and object through the Mendip planning process.

“There was better news at October’s planning committee where we reviewed and passed the new planning application for a Battery Generator in place of the original Gas Generator – it’s great to see a sensible result, a big thanks to Conrad Energy for listening to local concern and working with B&NES Councillors and Officers to find a suitable solution.

“Another issue that has been raised locally is regarding lodging planning objections. Several residents have expressed concern that they may receive intimidation or bullying, should they object to planning applications close to their homes. I have requested that our Council adopt a similar system to other Councils and when circumstances require, withhold the resident’s name and details from public view. We now await the outcome from our planning management review.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

“It is vital that we maintain pressure on our Bath based Council to protect our area from poor planning decisions and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to register objections – I can assure you that our voices are being heard.”