MINEHEAD CONSERVATION SOCIETY WELCOMES YOU
Make a Difference Today
ABOUT
Minehead Conservation Society is all about conserving and enhancing the built fabric of Minehead and its environs as well as campaigning to protect its beautiful landscape setting from inappropriate development.
The society also arranges social / educational events as part of the appreciation of the local area.
The society is affiliated to CPRE (Council for the Protection of Rural England).
ACTIVITIES
The Society monitors all planning applications for Listed Buildings and those within Conservation Areas as well as any it considers might be damaging to the overall character and appearance of the town.
It strives to encourage the local planning authority to adopt high quality design for all new builds, incorporating the use of local materials, and which will sit comfortably within their immediate surroundings.
Minehead Conservation Society welcomes all who care about Minehead and its status as an' Outstanding Heritage Settlement'. It offers the opportunity for like-minded people to socialise together and learn more about the history of the area, its many interesting buildings and beautiful landscape by providing a varied programme of activities.
Past Autumn/Winter talks have included such topics as ' Construction,
Maintenance & former uses of buildings on the Holnicote Estate ' and ' 10 Treasures of the Minehead Coast ' to 'Siege and Surrender of Dunster Castle ' and a Magic Lantern Show of Somerset Images.
In the Spring & Summer visits have ranged from a trip on Flying Scotsman and a tour round the Two Rivers Paper Mill to visits to historic houses such as Cothelstone Manor and Orchard Wyndham and the restoration project being undertaken by the Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust at Halswell where tea was served in the Temple of Harmony. Walks around different parts of the town also feature in the programme.
For information on future activities see 'Upcoming Events' below. Also see reports on recent events which have taken place in the blog section (click on 'Blog' at top of website pages).
The Society is affiliated to SBPT (Somerset Buildings Preservation Trust) and members are able to take advantage of the visits that it offers.
Tree planted by Minehead Conservation Society at The Parks for the Queen's 90th birthday celebration
Another MCS Plaque Fitted
The latest commemorative plaque installed by MCS - This one is at the Old Ship Aground, installed October 2020
Article in Free Press - July 2025
TO THE EDITOR
It is tragic to see so many of Minehead's heritage buildings simply languishing and I fear another two or three more might soon go the same way. The Old Town Hall, once the pride of the town centre, was bought and is now being sat upon. The Old Hospital, which our Society wanted to be taken on by the Preservation Trust, which was interested in doing so, was voted down by those short-sighted committee members who wanted to create a Development Trust. After years of talking this came to nothing. It was bought with much fanfare and claims of community provision but is now up for sale again. The Queen's Hall was bought but is now being sat upon and yet could once again be a wonderful venue in a prime seafront site. The historic Clanville Gardens which the Conservation Society wanted to restore for the benefit of the town were bought by someone with no such ultruistic motive and seemingly no plan.
Now the Old Police Station and Magistrates Court in Townsend Road is up for auction. What a great venue it would make for a quality hotel and restaurant for Minehead - much needed. Or an apprenticeship training centre; a Fashion and Arts training school and gallery; a technical skills based centre. Something that would create interest.
Soon either the TSB or Santander building will be surplus to requirements as the two banks amalgamate. It is time for Minehead to think constructively about how its buildings could be used to enhance the town's offer. So many people have said 'Please no more flats in these buildings and no more landlords with zilch interest in the community'. Housing is important but so is the preservation of our town's heritage, and a mixed offer of attractions which contibute greatly towards tourism and quality of life for residents.
The museum has been raising money for a new venue. If it could negotiate a long term lease for the Old Town Hall and use the money it secures to instal a lift from the small ground floor former office to the small first floor former office which would provide the requisite access for disabled people, it could use the very attractive former council chamber to house the museum. There is already a toilet on that floor and storage rooms above. It would be in a central town position and what could be more appropriate than a museum to give new life to a heritage building.
We have so many attractive buildings built by notable architects and builders with understandable pride and it now falls to our generation, to see that they are protected , cared for and used in imaginative ways, that enhance the town's attraction and vitality, without endangering the buildings character and appearance.
Sally Bainbridge, Minehead Conservation Society
SOME OF THE SOCIETY'S MORE NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Prevented Southlands in Northfield Road from being demolished
Saved the Beach Hotel from inappropriate development.
Stopped the cafe on the Quay (now called Echo) from being converted into a holiday flat.
Fought to keep green area and trees in front of Marley Close from becoming one big car park.
Managed to reduce an application for three houses in Whitecross Lane to just one dwelling.
Gained significant design changes to the buildings proposed for the grounds of Periton Mead and contributed to the listing of the main house.
Helped to save the character and setting of the Grade II Listed Ellicombe Manor .
The society has also contributed to the street scene of Minehead and raised the profile of the town in the following ways..
Master-minded retention of many of the old street lamps.
Proposed the installation of the street lamps strung across the Avenue.
Designed, commissioned and paid for the Fingerpost by the Jubilee Cafe.
Proposed ,raised all the money for and gained planning consent, to erect the Jubilee Clock Tower.
Started the campaign to save the town' s public toilets by setting up a petition and lobbying the local councils.
Planted a tree in the Parks Walk to commemorate the Queen's 90th birthday.
Led numerous walks around the town to raise awareness of its heritage.
Gained planning consent and paid for the historical plaques around the town.
Supplied photos and information about Listed Buildings and other notable buildings to the planners .
NEWSLETTER
Minehead Conservation Society
(Incorporating the Woodcombe Society)
Office: Townsend House, Townsend Road,
Minehead TA24 5RG (01643 706258)
E-mail: mineheadconservationsoc@gmail.com
Website: mineheadconservationsociety.com
Committee: Principal Officers
Chair – Sally Bainbridge
Vice Chair - Tony White
Secretary – Jon Collis
Treasurer – Janet Davies
Planning Case Officer – Sally Bainbridge
SOCIETY NEWS
Please be vigilant, and if you see things that concern you contact the society via email or the website. We rely on our members to assist us.
Help wanted! Would you be interested in taking minutes of our committee meetings and similar duties in the role of Secretary? We meet about six times a year. See advertisement in next section. Please get in touch if you are able to help or would like details.
It would be great if all our members could try and persuade a friend or neighbour to join the Society
as there is greater strength in numbers when it comes to major campaigns. Direct them to our website so they can see what we are all about and the activities we organise.
NEWSLETTER- July 2025
Dear Members,
Exhibition
An invitation has been extended to all MCS members to attend an exclusive viewing of the Ernest Kille Photographic Exhibition in Townsend House on THURSDAY JULY 31st from 3-5pm when tea/coffee and cake will be served and maybe Prosecco! There will be local scenes of bygone times from around the area. His grand-daughter is staging the event.
Campaign and petition
A member has drawn my attention to a campaign and petition being mounted by the Exmoor Society. It concerns the pollution of rivers and streams and the devastating impact on insects caused by the prolific use of spot-on flea & tick sprays on dogs.
Details on the link https://chng.it/t8Yv9XqgHs
HORNER VALE TEA PARTY
Reminders:
Payment by CASH ONLY
Meet at 3pm.
NOT at the NT tea garden.
Cover provided if wet.
Looking forward to seeing so many of you there. There is still time to book as I shall not confirm numbers until 10.30 am on Tuesday July 9th.
A39 Service station
Currently there are 715 objections online plus several more including those from MCS, ENP and MTC under documents.
Sally Bainbridge
Advertisement - Book by Sally Bainbridge
KEY PEOPLE
Advertisement
The society's long standing Secretary stepped down and we are therefore looking for a volunteer to take up this role. The duties are light, but of great importance to the successful running of the society and include preparing the agendas for Committee Meetings, taking minutes, assisting with preparing newsletters and emailing society members as necessary.
If you are interested, or would like to have a discussion about the role whilst considering it further, please contact Sally Bainbridge, Chair. This may be done using the society's contact details on the relevant page of this website.
Events
Minehead Higher Town Guided Walk 24th June 2025, meeting at Clanville car park at 2.00pm. A walk through the oldest part of Minehead with the very knowledgeable Tony White, who will provide interesting information and anecdotes throughout.
CONTACT MINEHEAD CONSERVATION SOCIETY
Townsend House, Townsend Road, Minehead TA24 5RG
01643 706258