Western England council updates share an 'applications' theme: planning, bus passes, housebuilding funds

Recent council updates show local authorities in western England handling applications in three different areas. The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard reported new planning applications submitted to Wiltshire Council, including a farm shop, café and new homes [2]; the Bridgwater Mercury reported the latest planning applications submitted to Somerset Council in and around Bridgwater for September 6-12 [4]. In Worcestershire, the Cotswold Journal said the council is using artificial intelligence to speed up bus pass applications and improve efficiency [3]. Separately, Homes England has published the assessment criteria for applications to the Council Housebuilding Support Fund [1].