An outline planning application has been submitted to B&NES Council to redevelop the former Welton Bibby and Baron site in Midsomer Norton. Residents can now view and comment on the outline plans for access and landscaping, by searching the Council’s planning portal (www.bathnes.gov.uk/planning) using the application number: 16/02607/OUT

It is hoped that the proposed scheme by Midsomer Norton Retail Estates would regenerate the large and now redundant industrial site, with around 200 dwellings, facilities for business use, including offices and light industrial, and the potential for a convenience store, public house and sixty-room hotel, alongside both affordable housing and sheltered housing for the elderly. These are all options at present to be decided further along in the planning process, and due to the site’s size, different developers could take on the project, should it proceed.

The feedback consultation document submitted to B&NES also shows that there are ongoing talks with the Midsomer Norton Social Club and the owners of the Stones Cross about the redevelopment of the area, as well as discussions with B&NES Council’s Heritage representatives on the subject of the potential reuse of the former brewery buildings.

Proposals for the site have also included road, pavement and cycle link improvements for the connectivity to Midsomer Norton High Street, and new Puffin crossings at both Station and North Roads, with a new mini-roundabout at Station Road.

Speaking about the outline application, Malcolm Ross, CEO of Midsomer Norton Retail Estates, said: "We are pleased to present these proposals to the local planning authority, as they are the culmination of an extended public consultation exercise over the last year.

"Given the nature and scale of the proposed development, it is also hoped that the scheme will lead to significant positive benefits in terms of meeting local employment and housing requirements.

"In addition, there has been unanimous support to the specific pedestrian and highway infrastructure improvements which will be brought about by the proposals."

Comments on the application can be made until 29th July, with a decision expected by B&NES Council towards the end of September.