A developer’s bid to change the use of the space above the old Co-op in Twerton into flats has been refused.
The former supermarket building on Twerton’s High Street
The supermarket on the High Street closed more than six years ago.
Applicant Mr Berger applied to Bath & North East Somerset Council in February to change the use of the ancillary commercial floorspace into three self-contained flats, with a total of four parking spaces.
The application stated: “The ground floor of the building used to serve as a supermarket but has been vacant for a number of years.
“Were the commercial use to commence again (at ground floor level), it is not expected this would cause any material harm upon the intended occupiers.”
The application was made under planning legislation known as Class MA. This consists of a change of use from commercial, business and service to housing.
But council planners have now refused the application, saying the building is located within a World Heritage Site where development is not permitted by Class MA.
A full planning permission application would be needed to convert the space.
