Action after discovery of high radon levels at city centre shop

High readings of the hazardous radioactive gas radon have been found at a council-owned building in the city centre.

Radon tesing | Library image

An application for listed building consent to carry out radon mitigation works at 5 Abbey Green was submitted to, and has now been approved, by the planning department at Bath & North East Somerset Council.

There is a craft gallery on the ground floor of the property and residential accommodation above.

The work will involve alterations to the Grade II listed building at basement and ground-floor level. No works are proposed on the upper floors.

The planning officers’ report said: “A radon survey has been undertaken, which found that the readings are significantly higher than target level of radon concentration.

“Radon is a radioactive gas that occurs naturally and is produced due to the decay of uranium in the ground. It is hazardous and long-term exposure can impact on health.

“It is therefore appreciated that action is necessary which in this instance is proposed to take the form of installation of a PIV (positive input ventilation) system, associated pipework and external vent.”

Last July, internal alterations to the property to upgrade features to meet current fire regulations were approved.