Plans to construct over 200 “mansion houses” at the historic Bath Press site are set to be considered by Bath and North East Somerset Council today. This initiative marks a significant development for one of the city’s largest brownfield locations.
Developer City & Country began redevelopment work last year after acquiring the site, with construction currently progressing on the eastern section behind the well-known preserved facade. Recently, the developer submitted revised proposals for the western portion, proposing a substantially larger number of homes and asserting that the new plan would “improve on and supersede” the original design.
The latest scheme envisions three large residential blocks along Lower Bristol Road, complemented by three additional sizable blocks situated behind them. Additionally, a terrace of townhouses would line the side of Brook Road. Altogether, this would total 220 homes on the western side alone, more than twice the 103 homes initially proposed.
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City & Country’s planning application describes the development as introducing “a series of contemporary mansion houses, varying in height and architectural detailing, to create a dynamic and visually engaging frontage along Lower Bristol Road and Brook Road.” The developer emphasises that the design “acts as a sensitive transition between the emerging developments along Lower Bristol Road and the established residential character of Oldfield Park to the south.”
However, some local residents have voiced objections. Corrie Wright-Schrijver, one of 17 individuals to formally oppose the plans, expressed concerns over the scale of the buildings, calling them “totally different” from the original proposals and warning they would be “a terribly oppressive imposition on the residents of Southview Road.” Sue Grimsdell also commented, saying, “One of the key arterial routes into beautiful Bath is in danger of losing its identity completely.”
Despite opposition, council planning officers recommend that the committee approve the revised plans, noting that “increasing the density over the extant permission and making a substantial contribution to housing supply on an allocated, sustainable brownfield site must be given substantial weight as a benefit.”
If approved, the redevelopment of the entire Bath Press site would result in a total of 366 homes. The site holds historical significance; it was originally home to the Pitman Press, founded by Sir Isaac Pitman, creator of Pitman’s Shorthand-the most widely used shorthand system in the UK. The art deco facade, constructed in phases up to 1926, remains a prominent feature after the Bath Press ceased operations in 2007 and most of the building was demolished in 2017.
The planning committee will deliberate on the proposals during their meeting at 10am today (Wednesday, 2 September) at Bath Guildhall.