Supported homes plan for wildlife haven approved

Homes set to be built on Bath's "tufa field" wildlife haven will improve the lives of some of the most vulnerable in the area, the council has said as it approved the controversial plan.

- John Wimperis Local democracy reporter

Building on the field by English-combe Lane, which contains rare limestone formations called tufa and is a unique habitat, has been unpopular locally - but the field has been designated for housing for about 20 years.

A previous plan to build 37 homes on the field was scrapped and top councillors at Bath and North East Somerset Council have insisted their plan to build 16 units of supported housing on the field will protect the unique nature of the site and make it a feature of the development.

Planning permission for the council-led scheme was approved a year ago. In their meeting on September 12, the council's cabinet voted to allocate the £10.12m in capital funding to construct the homes.

Council cabinet member for built environment, housing, and sustainable development Matt McCabe said: "It is an excellent award-winning scheme that meets an unmet need in our community and will undoubtedly improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents."