Bath and North East Somerset Council this week resolved to delegate an application for Build-to-Rent purpose-built student accommodation for approval subject to completion of a s106 agreement.
Pegasus Group, acting on behalf of Watkin Jones Group, helped secure a resolution to grant from the planning committee despite Officers recommending the application for refusal due to a perceived lack of car parking.
The proposals comprise the erection of four blocks ranging in height from 4 to 6 storeys at Lower Bristol Road in Bath, made up of 316 Build-to-Rent units (Class C3), 335 purpose-built managed student bedspaces (Sui Generis), commercial floorspace (Class E); associated parking, landscaping, vehicular access and public realm improvements.
The application provided significant economic, social, and environmental benefits including a policy compliant level of 30% affordable housing within the Build-to-Rent element equating to 95 affordable units.
Although Officers had concerns in relation to the level of parking for the Build-to-Rent element, the proposal included a substantial amount of green travel initiatives to promote sustainable travel modes and provided a level of car parking consistent with other Build-to-Rent schemes in similar locations. The level of parking also responded to the Climate Emergency that had been declared by the Council.
Members considered the substantial benefits outweighed the concerns in relation to the level of parking and decided to go against Officer recommendation on the grounds of the high-quality design; the improvements to the visual appearance of the site; the good mix of accommodation proposed; and the measures included to promote sustainable transport measures.
Daniel Weaver, Executive Director at Pegasus Group’s Bristol office, said: “We are absolutely delighted to help deliver a resolution to grant for this fantastic scheme for Build-to-Rent and purpose-built managed student accommodation in Bath.
“The development will provide numerous public benefits not least the provision of 95 affordable homes.
“The wider project team has worked extremely hard alongside Council Officers and the South West Design Review Panel in order to achieve a scheme of real quality and interest and we would like to thank everyone involved for their input into the project.”
Pegasus Group provided planning, heritage, and economic services on this application. For more information about this project, or any of Pegasus Group’s services please contact us.