Future development at the Bath & West Showground is guided by an approved Planning Framework that has six zones. The new Mendip School is proposed to be developed in part of an area currently zoned for rural and countryside uses. On 15th April Mendip Council’s Planning Board decided not to approve a change to the Framework that would have also supported the principle of education and community activities in the zone.
The primary reason for the Board’s decision focused on concern that the approval of a change to the Framework (which will be a material consideration when it comes to the planning application for the School) would prejudice their future consideration of the School application.
This decision in no way impacts on the school application which remains a live planning application.
In planning terms, the case for the Mendip School remains strong and we are working closely with the Showground and the site’s developers to achieve a positive outcome as soon as possible.