Plans to change the use of empty offices in Twerton into accommodation for 54 students have been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council.
Minerva House on the Lower Bristol Road in Bath | Image © Google Street View 2024
The planning application for Minerva House on Lower Bristol Road has been lodged by Rengen Minerva Ltd.
The building was constructed in the 1990s as office accommodation with under-croft parking for 20 vehicles.
The scheme for 12 student cluster flats involves an under-croft infill extension, external alterations, bin store, cycle parking and outbuildings.
A report submitted with the application from consultants Kendall Kingscott says there is currently a significant under-supply of high-quality student accommodation in Bath.
“The use of large houses as student residences places unnecessary pressure on the provision of family housing – bespoke student accommodation will improve this situation considerably.”
The report says the building has been vacant for some time and unsuccessfully marketed for sale as office accommodation. “The building is generally in good condition and ideally suited for refurbishment to student accommodation.
“It is also located on university and local bus routes, ensuring students can access education and town centre amenities without the use of a private vehicle.”
The consultants say there is a concurrent planning application for a single-storey rooftop extension to provide an additional four cluster flats with 18 rooms. However, that is not as yet on the planning portal.
The planning reference for the change of use of Minerva House is 24/00219/FUL. The deadline for comments is 29th February.
