A developer wants to build up to 200 co-living units at The Smallholdings off Claude Avenue in Bath, it has emerged.
The lane down to the proposed development
Planning consultants for Martin Grant Homes are asking Bath & North East Somerset Council whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) will be needed.
They say the majority of the site has been used for a variety of industrial uses over the last 100 years.
The site is currently not densely developed, being partly vacant and partly occupied by a warehouse and several outbuildings.
The warehouse is currently in use as a gym and the adjacent open area as storage and parking. Land in the north-western part of the site comprises former allotments.
Access to the site is off the Old Track
Access to the site is off the Old Track, an unadopted road which runs between Oldfield Park Junior School and The Church of Ascension.
Co-living units are purpose-built, providing private bedrooms and bathrooms and ‘community’ living spaces with shared amenities such as kitchens, living areas, a gym, co-working spaces and some form of concierge service.
They are aimed at single-person households wishing to live in an urban area as a vibrant and affordable option for houses in multiple occupations (HMOs) or self-contained flats.
Tenancies often vary in length and often include some relatively short-term lets and may include services such as cleaning and bed linen.
The proposed units on the site would be in three buildings, varying in height from three to four storeys. No vehicle parking spaces for the residential units are proposed apart from accessible parking spaces, and an “appropriate” level of secure community bicycle parking.
The site is said to be very well-placed to access the sustainable transport network within the city
As the site is just over one hectare in size, a flood risk assessment is mandatory and will be submitted in support of the planning application.
Immediately east of the site is Moorfields Sandpits Park. There is a public right of way running to the south of the site and the Bath Two Tunnels cycle route passes along the northern boundary.
The council is due to make a decision on the EIA by 17th October.
