Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet is set to consider revised plans for an ecologically sensitive site in Englishcombe Lane in Bath, known as the “tufa field”.

The tufa field in Bath | Photo © Kate Groves
A report to councillors on the cabinet on Thursday 8th September recommends progressing a scheme to provide accommodation for adults with learning difficulties and or autism, which will reduce the need for out-of-area placements away from family and friends.
The proposals would see nine bungalows and seven apartments built on the site, along with measures to protect the unique ecology of the area.
The cabinet is being asked to approve the allocation of £320,000 of funding to carry out further development work on the proposals before plans are submitted for approval.
Councillor Kevin Guy, council leader said: “We have listened to residents and asked our officers to revise the original plans for the site and to deliver a smaller scheme providing essential support for vulnerable people, while ensuring the important local ecology is given greater protection.
“Cabinet will consider the report carefully before deciding whether to progress the proposals.”
The report outlines five options for the site. It says four of these were dismissed on the grounds of scale of development, infrastructure requirements, unit cost and suitability of accommodation.
The recommended preferred option would deliver a low-density, small-scale development, providing housing options to meet the needs of around 16 tenants.
The scheme would enable people with a learning disability and or autism to live as independently as possible, but with care and support as needed.
Under the proposals, greater protection would be given to flora and fauna with the inclusion of a 10m buffer around the tufa site together with a bat corridor and protective measures for badgers, reptiles and small mammals.
The report says the ecological sensitivity of the site provides an opportunity to create a peaceful, calming environment for people with specialist housing needs.