Bath and North East Somerset Council has approved plans for 926 new student flats at the University of Bath’s Claverton Down campus, addressing the growing need for on-campus housing. University officials highlighted that the new accommodation will allow every first-year student to live on campus, fostering a supportive environment and alleviating pressure on private housing and Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) throughout the city.
The development will be constructed on the university’s eastern sports pitches, including the site of two existing tennis courts, which will be replaced by two brand-new padel courts as part of the project. Councillor Toby Simon emphasized the importance of the scheme, noting it fulfills a long-standing goal to provide first-year students with university-managed housing. “The harms identified are outweighed by the advantages and mitigations proposed,” he stated, underscoring the need for strong collaboration between local authorities and universities.
Councillor Ian Halsall acknowledged that while the design of the eight new accommodation blocks may not be architecturally outstanding—it was initially described as somewhat “Soviet” in style—the choice of materials and the context of the predominantly 1960s concrete campus make the proposal suitable. “It’s a good design,” he remarked, adding that the campus’ existing appearance means the new development won’t add to any existing harm.
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Planning officers estimated that providing 926 on-campus bedspaces could significantly reduce demand for nearly 400 student houses scattered across the city. However, some councillors expressed concern about potential long-term effects on housing, with Councillor Shaun Hughes warning that students moving off campus in later years might increase demand for HMOs. Meanwhile, Councillor Fiona Gourley praised the initiative for bringing much-needed improvements after decades without a major residential expansion at the university.
The planning committee voted 5-2, with one abstention, to delegate authority to planning officers to grant permission for the new student accommodation, marking a significant step toward enhancing student living conditions and easing housing pressures in Bath.