The government has consulted on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to implement policy changes in response to the Building Better Building Beautiful Commission Living with Beauty report. Changes set out a greater emphasis on beauty and local distinctiveness and calls for poorly designed developments to be refused. Other amendments include greater reference to…
B&NES Council has recently consulted on updated Local Plan policies based on changes in local circumstances and national policy and legislation since the 2014-2017 adoption of the Core Strategy and Placemaking Plan. Proposed revisions intend to address the Council’s declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency, update the local authorities housing supply to ensure the…
The Trust has responded to the public consultation for the proposed implementation of security measures within Bath’s city centre. Proposals focus on the restriction of vehicle access at busy times for pedestrian safety, as part of a wider package of measures to address increasing concerns of terrorist threats in the UK. The consultation documentation can…
We are specifically concerned that unlike some of the recent changes to permitted development, this consultation proposes that a new permitted development right to change use from Commercial, Business and Service (Class E) to residential (C3) would apply in conservation areas. Diversity is critical to the vitality and vibrancy of historic towns and shopping streets….
Proposals have been consented for the relocation of Toppings bookshop and associated alterations to the Grade II listed Friends’ Meeting House on York Street. The historic has been vacant for a long time, and the Trust welcomed the prospect of bringing it back into use. We undertook a site visit and pre-application consultation with the…
A public consultation invited initial feedback to the Bath River Line green infrastructure project to rejuvenate the river corridor through Bath, from Newbridge to Batheaston. The project will consider improvements to towpaths, parks and open spaces, and public realm directly next to the river. Consultation included designs for Brassmill Lane Park, Kelston’s Field, Norfolk…
The Planning for the Future White Paper proposes dramatic changes to the planning system and has given rise to serious concerns across many sectors. This is our full response submitted to the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government at the end of October. While the stated aims of the White Paper should be outcomes…
The Trust has responded to proposals for the redevelopment of the Dick Lovett BMW and MINI dealerships to provide 343 Build to Rent residential apartments, 335 Purpose-Built Student Accommodation studios and cluster rooms, and 727m2 of commercial space along Lower Bristol Road. Full plans for application 20/03071/EFUL can be accessed online via the planning portal…
The Planning for the Future White Paper (published in August) sets out a number of controversial changes to the planning system including; stripped back local plans, zonal planning, top down housing targets, more permitted developments, scrapping Section 106 agreements and replacing with a national infrastructure levy which can fund affordable housing, design codes and new…
The Trust’s updated comments on revisions to the Bath Quay North outline application for the redevelopment of the Avon Street Car Park site. Proposals include: Increased maximum building heights mitigated by setting back massing of upper storey levels away from building perimeters. The widening of public realm spaces and routes through the site, with the…
