Plans to turn vacant office accommodation in the city centre into apartments have been given the go-ahead despite safety and security concerns.
The properties on Charles Street | Image © Google Street View / Google 2024
The proposals for the upper floors of 19-21 Charles Street, part of a Grade II listed Georgian terrace where there are businesses, were approved last week by Bath & North East Somerset Council planners.
The proposed development will create two two-bed self-contained units across Units 19-21D and Units 19-21E.
The council had received objections with comments including: “This is not a residential terrace, this is a thriving community of small businesses that look out for each other.
“Installing residential property amongst these businesses will create friction and compromise security.”
Another said: “Having two residential flats in the same block sharing common front and rear entrances is concerning as the offices have expensive equipment on site along with highly sensitive data.”
Fire risk was also flagged up.
In their assessment of the plans, council officers said: “There have been a number of objections received from occupiers of other offices within the terrace which are not proposed to be altered.
“The concerns raised relate to the safety and security of the existing units once a residential use is introduced on the upper floors. The upper floors are already accessed via the same staircase. Office and residential are compatible uses and experienced across the city.
“Whilst security is a material consideration, in this instance, the security issues relate to user error which is outside of the control of the local planning authority.
“The management of the communal spaces could be addressed by the management company if an issue arises in the future with new users of the spaces.
“Should the current users of the lower floors require a security upgrade, this could be considered within an application where the works would require listed building consent.”
The report added that the “perceived impacts” did not warrant a refusal as the proposed development will not cause significant harm through loss of light, overshadowing, overbearing impact, loss of privacy, noise or other disturbance.
The proposals include four spaces for bikes in the rear courtyard where there is also space for bin storage.
