A vacant retail property in Bath is slated for redevelopment under new plans submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council. The site at 133b to 139 Coronation Avenue in Southdown would be demolished and replaced with two commercial units and five new apartments, along with two designated parking spaces.
The application, made by PGF Investments South West, aims to breathe new life into a property that has been empty for some time. Local support highlights the potential positive impact, with one resident commenting, “The place is an eyesore and has been vacant for some time. It would be great to see it revitalized, especially if a grocery store occupies one of the commercial units.”
However, the proposal has also met with community concerns. Several residents have voiced worries about insufficient parking, noting that nearby Chestnut Grove and surrounding streets already suffer from heavy congestion. One commenter emphasized, “The development proposes only two parking spaces for five apartments, which is wholly inadequate. It is unrealistic to expect all tenants to forego cars and rely only on public transport or bicycles.”
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Others expressed fears that the development could undermine the area’s historic character. The current commercial units, part of the original 1920s masterplan for Coronation Avenue, contribute to its architectural heritage. A resident stated, “Replacing these with a generic mixed-use block risks eroding the street’s distinct local identity.”
Residents are invited to submit their views on the plans via the council’s planning portal using reference number 25/03761/FUL. The deadline for comments is Wednesday, October 22, with the council aiming to reach a decision by Wednesday, November 26.