Approval recommended for 700-home Bath development

The redevelopment of the Foxhill estate in Bath, including up to 700 new homes, is set to get the green light from councillors with plans recommended for approval ahead of a meeting next week (26 July 2017).Curo, a not-for-profit housing and support organisation, lodged an application with Bath & North East Somerset Council for the site at the end of 2016.Its proposals include the demolition of 542 existing houses in the sites and construction of up to 700 new properties. About 30 per cent of the development will be affordable housing.The plans also include 6,000 sq ft of space suitable for retail or food and drink use as well as new access roads, infrastructure, landscaping and open space.Amendments have been made following the original submission to reduce the heights of some of the buildings.If approved, the scheme will be developed in stages over a ten-year period.Curo is currently building 700 new homes at the neighbouring Mulberry Park development, on the former Ministry of Defence Foxhill site, and a £10m school, nursery, community building and sports pitch.The new scheme also includes improved connections between Foxhill and the new community hub and park at Mulberry ParkThe application will go before the council’s development management committee on 26 July with a “delegate to permit” recommendation from the planning officer.This is subject to the signing of a section 106 agreement to secure the affordable housing provision, open space, a travel plan and targeted recruitment and training.