A REVISED plan to redevelop the Treetops site in Keynsham has been approved, paving the way for 36 new flats on the vacant St Clement’s Road plot.
The former nursing home fell into disrepair after closing in 2018. It became a target for anti-social behaviour, including criminal damage and numerous fires.
After repeated attempts to redevelop the site, outline planning permission to build 36 flats there was finally granted in March 2025.
In May this year, the dilapidated building was destroyed in an arson attack, after which the ruins were demolished and the site levelled.
Bath & North East Somerset Council was asked to approve a “minor variation” of the previously approved plan for new flats.
Stokes Morgan Planning, acting for the applicant Treetops Bristol Limited, said the changes reflect detailed design development, including an internal reconfiguration of the two three-storey blocks of flats, a “modest adjustment” to Block A, and some amendments to the external layout, including cycle storage.
Council planning officers found that the revised layout would not cause significant additional harm to nearby residents through overlooking, loss of privacy, overshadowing, noise or disturbance.
They also concluded that the scheme would not have a greater impact on the Keynsham Conservation Area or the landscape setting of the town than the already approved development.
They noted that the parking layout would be rearranged into a clearer courtyard-style format, while the number of car parking spaces would remain at 30.
Cycle parking for at least 76 bicycles is proposed in external stores, with officers concluding that the changes would improve day-to-day usability, pedestrian access and site management.
The application attracted five objections and two comments in support.
Concerns raised included the height and number of flats proposed, lack of parking, increased traffic, and that the scheme would be out of keeping with the character of the surrounding residential area.
One resident who commented in support of the plan, before the blaze on May 21, said: “Can we get this site moving forward.”
They added: “Antisocial behaviour from kids on site goes on all night.”
Another, who commented after the arson attack, said: “I would like to support this application as this is now become a very dangerous site due to the recent fire.”
Pictured, how the approved flats would look, with the adjacent Keynsham Health Centre in the background
Revised Treetops flats plan approved in Keynsham
