DEVELOPERS want to build homes on a site where a blast-proof electricity grid control centre was established during the Cold War.
An outline planning application is being prepared for about 50 flats and houses at the Devonport House complex on the northwestern side of Keynsham.
The site is accessed via Durley Park, off Durley Hill, near Hicks Gate Fire Station.
The former estate house – originally known as Fairview – was built in about 1860 in landscaped grounds.
In the 1950s, the site was bought by the British Electricity Authority and became a grid control centre for the South West. More recently, the site functioned as a regional headquarters for aerospace and defence company Babcock.
Its three main structures are the former Victorian villa, now known as Devonport House; a blast-proof 1950s control room and extension known as Wessex House; and a second extension dating from the 1960s, known as the Control Building.
A large part of the site comprises a 189-space car park for the offices, which have been vacant since April 2024.
Developers propose to convert Devonport House into apartments. But they state that the other two main buildings are too dilapidated and should be demolished.
They say: “The scheme will respect surrounding properties, ensuring that open space and landscaping is retained and enhanced on the site boundaries. It will also include on site parking, and the design team is looking at measures to improve the main site access.”
The registered owners are Willow Bay Investments Limited and Ma’am Investments Limited, who bought the site for £5 million in 2016. They are working with South Wales-based Loyn+Co Architects and the Avril Baker Consultancy to submit an outline planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council during the summer.
Separately from the developers’ plans, a community-led idea has been raised for the site to provide a venue for Keynsham. Supporters have suggested that the former main control room could be converted into a performance space and hall, with the existing large car park seen as one of the site’s advantages.
Campaigners have been trying to establish such a venue in the town for years.
Among them is local councillor Dave Biddleston, who said: “There is a clear and recognised need for a multi-use community venue in Keynsham, and we’ve worked hard to ensure this is reflected in both the Keynsham Redevelopment Plan and the emerging Local Plan.
“While Devonport House has been suggested as a potential option and does have some obvious merits, we are still at an early stage of exploring delivery options, and no decisions have been made on specific sites.
“It’s important that we consider all opportunities carefully alongside the wider regeneration and housing needs for the town.
“That said, it’s very positive to see the level of local interest and advocacy around creating a proper community space, and it’s something I strongly support in principle.”
Pictured above, Devonport House. Below, the proposed site outlined in red.
