A VACANT office building in Keynsham can be turned into flats, planners have ruled.
Redwood House at 65 Bristol Road will be converted into nine two-bed apartments, with communal car parking and bin and cycle storage.
Keynsham Town Council had objected to the plans, stating: “The proposed design is not in keeping this locality and would constitute a loss of employment opportunities in the town when there is a need for office space in the town.”
But a Bath & North East Somerset Council planning officer said: “Given that the site is not located in the central area, enterprise zone, or a town centre, it cannot be concluded that the proposals would result in a significant loss to strategically important office accommodation.”
It was pointed out that a previous scheme for seven flats had been approved and that the building had been vacant since July 2022.
One comment from the public raised highways concerns.
The planning officer said: “The proposals are unlikely to have a significant impact on the surrounding highway, and existing parking restrictions are in place on the Bristol Road where needed. The site has previously been used as an office, and there are no changes to the site access, therefore, visibility and site access is considered appropriate.”
The officer’s recommendation to approve the scheme was supported by the chair and vice chair of B&NES planning committee, Ian Halsall and Lucy Hodge.
The plan to extend and convert the building were submitted on behalf of the applicant by 3Sixty Real Estate.
The proposals include a two-storey extension on one side and a single-storey extension on the other.
The property was originally built as a detached house before being converted to office use
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Flats approved at Keynsham office building
