Students warned about cars in city
Leases at proposed new accommodation will carry ‘termination’ clause
Students could be evicted if they bring cars to Bath as part of tenancy terms at a proposed new development.
Plans have been submitted by developer Deeley Freed to replace the Old Bakery on Jews Lane with student accommodation of 63 studios.
It would also feature a flexible workspace on the same site, just off the Lower Bristol Road.
But, as parking in the area is already in high demand, prospective tenants will be asked to sign an agreement promising to keep their cars away.
And if they don’t, they will be asked to leave the accommodation, which will be managed by student accommodation company CRM.
Ross Chester, development manager for Deeley Freed said the carfree plans had been submitted after meetings with residents with students encouraged to walk, cycle and use public transport.
“We will expressly write into their lease that they are not allowed to bring cars to the city and if they do they will have their leases terminated – that is a pretty strong stick,” he said.
“It is expensive to be a student and if your accommodation is taken away then it becomes even more expensive. We think it is a deterrent.
“We did a lot of consultation with residents and our plans have significantly changed following that, including reducing the height of the flexible working block and significantly redesigned the roof and structure of the student accommodation block to make it have less of an impact on the neighbouring properties,” he said.
“The height is four storeys at the front and three at the back for the student accommodation block and two storeys for the flexible workspace block,” he said.
The student block will be cut into the site so that its roof isn’t higher than existing properties.
Road signage will also be introduced further up the road, where there is room for only one car, so the right of way is clear.
And the new development will see vehicles – such as bin lorries or supermarket delivery vans – able to drive back out onto the road, instead of having to reverse out as they do now.
But Westmoreland Cllr June Player (Independent) said the no-car rule would be impossible to police.
“Clauses like this already exist in other student contracts, such as Waterside Court and Charlton Court. The clause is pointless unless you have someone marching round the area all hours of the day and night monitoring them, and so it will fall on residents (to monitor). Our streets are heavily used already and when you find a space it is like gold.
“Any new development now, whether it be for student or non-students, should ensure there is adequate on-site parking provision.
In the planning application, submitted to B&NES Council on June 27, it says the measure will be enforced.
“At the Old Bakery site, we will undertake the following steps to monitor and enforce the parking restrictions,” say CRM.
“Confirmation of the parking restrictions will be included in the Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and Welcome Handbook issued to all students.
“The on-site management team will undertake daily checks (during office working hours) to observe if any of the students are utilising a motorised vehicle. Photographic evidence will be taken of any resident seen parking to ensure records are kept in order to promptly deal with any complaints from external parties such as local residents, and to ensure action can be taken against the student if they continue to fail to comply. In the first instance a warning letter will be sent to the student and they will be given 7 days to comply with this parking restriction. If the student fails to comply within this time a second meeting will be held and a final warning letter issued to advise that legal proceedings will commence to enforce the condition.”
The student building will be managed 24/7 and there will be CCTV covering communal and outdoor areas. There will be a hotline for residents to make complaints out-ofhours.
Residents have until August 2 to comment on the application, 18/02831/FUL, and B&NES Council hopes to make a decision in early October.