Builder submits new affordable homes scheme

A development could bring 15 affordable homes to Bath despite past fears for the green belt.

After unsuccessfully appealing the refusal of its plans to build 18 affordable properties off Deadmill Lane, Millen Homes is having another go.

It says scaling back its proposals will reduce the pressure on site and allow a greater degree of openness and permeability through it.

Bath and North East Somerset Council previously denied planning permission for the site due to the impact on the green belt and conservation area, and concerns about flooding and the access route.

Dismissing the appeal, planning Inspector Neil Pope said the development would “result in the loss of the unspoilt, green open qualities of the site and erode the pleasing contribution the site makes to the landscape setting of this part of Bath”. He said the social and economic benefits of the new homes did not outweigh the harm to the World Heritage Site.

Millen Homes said in its new application: “As was clearly understood by the Inspector as part of the appeal there remains an extant need for affordable housing consisting of over 100 persons in the locality.”

It said providing affordable homes for the community meant it was not an inappropriate development in the green belt, and the two grass fields that would be lost were not a key feature of the conservation area.

Millen Homes said in its bid: “The proposed dwellings would incorporate a number of sustainable measures including renewable energy, rain water harvesting and thermally efficient envelopes meaning the buildings would be affordable in respect of utility bills and help fight climate change.”