The transformation of the former Argyle Works depot on Lower Bristol Road into eight affordable homes for social rent is commencing, marking a significant step towards meeting the demand for low-cost housing in Bath and North East Somerset. The project, a collaboration between Bath and North East Somerset Council and Aequus Construction Limited (ACL), the council’s development company, will yield three one-bedroom apartments and five two-bedroom duplexes.
This initiative forms part of the council’s larger affordable housing scheme aimed at delivering council housing by repurposing existing properties and surplus land. The £12m B&NES Homes programme is set to furnish 58 general needs council houses for rent. Scheduled for completion in summer 2025, the Argyle Works development was greenlit in September and stakeholders can access the planning application (reference 22/00687/REG03) on the council’s website.
Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, expressed his satisfaction with the commencement of work at the Argyle Works site, emphasizing its role in advancing the council’s mission to provide affordable homes. The apartments will be made accessible through Homesearch, the council’s housing allocation scheme for social rent homes and low-cost homeownership. Notably, three units will be earmarked for young people.
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In addition to the ongoing project at Argyle Works, ACL is actively formulating plans for a social rented scheme on council-owned land at Danes Lane in Keynsham. A planning application for ten social rent flats has been submitted and is available for viewing on the council’s website.