Plans to convert the old Kingdom Hall in Oldfield Park into flats, with zero parking or outside space, have been approved.
The former Kingdom Hall in Oldfield Park | Image © Google Street View / Google 2024
Developer Four Points Property Ltd submitted a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council to change the use of the building at Triangle North from a place of worship to four homes.
Two of the flats will have one bedroom and the other two will have two bedrooms.
The application said that the hall has not been used a place of worship for a number of years; 25 years ago, trustees of the Oldfield Park Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses were granted permission to convert it into office use.
It was most recently used for storage until it was put up for sale last year by the Kingdom Hall Trust.
The location is said to be highly sustainable and there are parks nearby.
External alterations will include replacement and additional window openings, in addition to a pitched roof to the existing rear flat roof section.
The flats are designed to provide a high-quality living environment and take into account modern working practices, with the bedrooms big enough to allow for desk space.
Eight secure undercover cycle spaces and bin and recycling storage are proposed at the front.
Local councillor June Player (Independent, Westmoreland) had raised concerns that the small frontage will look very cluttered and will negatively impact on the site and the wider area.
But the council planning officer said the proposed storage solutions are “necessary and appropriate for the development” and will not cause harm to the character and appearance of the site.
She added that the proposed use of the site for housing is acceptable as the site is within the built-up area of Bath.
Due to the location of the building next to the railway, Network Rail were consulted and had no objections in principle to the change of use.
