World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Bath councillors approve disputed seven-bedroom mansion
Bath councillors approved a disputed mansion after a decade-long planning row.
The house, built by developer Thomas Worrall on the edge of Bath, was originally approved in 2021 as a five-bedroom home set into a hillside.
The seven-bedroom house is larger and taller than approved, and includes a gym and cinema room that were not in the original plans.
Neighbours sent in more than 100 letters of objection and said the decision could create a two-tier planning system.
Councillors voted seven to two to approve it, with some saying they feared it could become derelict or lead to an appeal if refused.
Worrall said changes were needed because of ground conditions, and no further steps are stated.
Bath councillors approved a retrospective planning application for developer Thomas Worrall’s seven-bedroom mansion.
The house was built larger and higher than plans approved for a five-bedroom home, according to residents.
More than 100 letters of objection were submitted.
Councillors approved the changes by seven votes to two, although several said they did so reluctantly.
Residents said the decision could create a two-tier planning system.
- Who
- Developer Thomas Worrall and Bath and North East Somerset councillors. Neighbours opposed the mansion.
- What
- Councillors approved a retrospective application for a seven-bedroom mansion built differently from the approved plans.
- When
- The approval was reported on November 5, 2026.
- Where
- On the edge of Bath, next to a tin church.
- Why
- The application sought to validate the building as constructed and avoid enforcement action.
Neighbours opposing the application
Thomas Worrall and councillors supporting approval
Planning compliance
Neighbours opposing the application
Residents said the house was built in intentional breach of planning control and should not be approved as built.
Thomas Worrall and councillors supporting approval
Worrall sought retrospective approval to validate the build; planning officers recommended approval as policy compliant.
Need for the house
Neighbours opposing the application
Residents said there was no demonstrated local need for a seven-bedroom luxury mansion.
Thomas Worrall and councillors supporting approval
Not stated.
Planning decision
Neighbours opposing the application
Residents warned approval would create a two-tier planning system.
Thomas Worrall and councillors supporting approval
Some councillors said approval was the only practical option, citing concerns about a derelict building or a council appeal.
Initial plans for the site were submitted.
Permission was granted for a five-bedroom home set into the hillside.
The Daily Mail reported that councillors had approved the retrospective application by seven votes to two.
- Bedrooms approved in 2021
- 5
- Bedrooms in the built mansion
- 7
- Letters of objection
- More than 100
- Council vote
- 7 to 2
- Location
- Bath, next to a tin church
What people are saying
There is zero demonstrated local need for a seven-bedroom luxury mansion to justify overturning planning laws.
I don't like it but I think we have no option but to go along with it.
This isn't a clerical error - a seven-bed luxury house with gyms and cinema room and stuff.
Once it's complete, it will be a lovely building