Bath mega-mansion sparks planning fight as over 100 locals demand demolition

Construction of a £3 million, seven-bedroom mansion on Bailbrook Lane near Bath has ignited a dispute with more than 100 local residents, some of whom want the building demolished. Neighbours claim the house is considerably taller and occupies a larger area than the single-storey, five-bedroom plan approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council in 2013. Developer Thomas Worrall submitted a retrospective planning application, arguing that persistent groundwater required the addition of concrete fill and other alterations.

Critics, including Tavis Hamilton, say the structure overwhelms the historic lane and blocks views of a Grade II listed church. Ward councillor Joanna Wright backed calls for enforcement, accusing the developer of exploiting the planning system. The council has declined to comment pending the outcome of the retrospective application.