Plans to demolish Keynsham’s police station to build 26 flats have been allowed on appeal.
Plans to redevelop Keynsham’s old police station | Image © Hawkfield Homes
Hawkfield Homes secured permission to build nine homes after its larger scheme was rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council members.
The developer now has two options for the Bath Hill site after the decision on its original proposals was overruled.
Contrary to what the council’s planning committee said, planning inspector Adrian Hunter said overlooking from the larger of the two buildings would not significantly affect neighbours, and its height would not damage the conservation area.
He said the provision of 43 parking spaces, nine fewer than council policy requires, was not a significant shortage.
Eight of the flats proposed would be affordable after negotiations with the council and funding from Homes England boosted the number up from six. That makes the number policy compliant.
Avon and Somerset Police sold the 1960s brick building in 2018 for £1.24million, which it said would be reinvested in growth areas.
Planning consultant Chris Dance said Hawkfield Homes was “very pleased” with the outcome of the appeal.
Stephen Sumner, Local Democracy Reporter
