Development of 14 apartments, Bath, Somerset
Our client obtained planning permission for the erection of 14 apartments in the historic City of Bath. The building contract was well-advanced when various changes to the scheme required retrospective planning permission. A revised planning application was prepared and submitted and was recommended for approval by Council officers. The application was refused by the Planning Committee, which also resolved to take Enforcement action, requiring the complete demolition of the building. The project was featured in local and national media.
A further planning application was submitted to address the issues and after much negotiation planning permission was granted by the Council, subject to alterations being made to the building. The Enforcement Notice requiring the demolition of the building was then withdrawn. An appeal against the refusal of the retrospective planning application was submitted. Evidence was submitted to show that the development caused no harm to the World Heritage Site, nearby Listed buildings and the Bath Conservation Area. The appeal was ultimately allowed, allowing the building to be retained ‘as built’.