A HOUSING association has been given permission to knock down four derelict blocks of flats in Keynsham and build 45 affordable homes in their place.
The Tintagel Close flats overlook Kelston Park, but everyone who lived there has been rehoused due to the “degrading condition” of the 1960s buildings. The area has since become a magnet for antisocial behaviour.
Now Bath and North East Somerset Council has granted planning permission for housing association Curo to demolish the flats and build 45 new homes in their place.
Curo initially looked at keeping people in the building and upgrading it, but it said it would be “impractical and extremely difficult.”
The council’s report said: “The application also provides a significant opportunity to not only provide a better standard of affordable housing but to also significantly improve the immediate areas around the site and public open space.
“The redevelopment would enable an improvement in the use of the site by the public and would deter the current antisocial behaviour.”
Tintagel Close contains 44 three-bedroom maisonettes which were social housing. The 45 new homes will be a mix of 22 one-to-two bedroom flats, 10 two-bed houses, 10 three-bedroom houses, and three four-bedroom houses. All 45 new homes will be affordable homes, with 34 available for social rent and 11 as shared ownership.
The proposal had the support of Keynsham Town Council and only received a single objection. Unlike most significant developments, the plans were not brought before Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee but were approved by officers.
Curo says all the new homes will have dedicated parking, their own electric vehicle charging point and energy-efficient heating systems, and all will benefit from solar panels.
Sarah Maylor, Curo’s director of development, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the whole neighbourhood.
“We’ve worked closely with local people, the council, and our partners to shape something that really reflects what the community wants and needs.
“Our new scheme will be greener, better connected, and built to a much higher standard than the old block.”
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service
Go-ahead for new homes at Tintagel Close
