Agenda item

The Regeneration Team Manager introduced this item to the Panel. He highlighted to the Panel some of the key points from the report.

Somerdale

The detailed part of the application is for 157 dwellings, change of use of Block A for up to 113 apartments.  It also covers highway works, social and sports pavilion (new Fry Club), new sports pitches, alterations to factory buildings B and C for employment use (B1) leisure (D2 uses) and retail (A3, A4 and A5 uses). 

The Section 106 agreement was signed on February 19^th 2014.

The employment space is being marketed.  A full page advert has been placed in Estates Gazette (w/c 12th May). Taylor Wimpey and their representatives are preparing a marketing strategy which is required by the S106 Agreement for the Council’s approval within six months of signing the agreement.  Regular meetings with the Council’s Economic Development Team and Invest in Bristol & Bath form part of the strategy, and these are already under way.

Bath Western Riverside

Phase 1 of Bath Riverside commenced on site in early 2011 and is currently delivering up to 813 residential units. The project is delivering affordable homes (101 to date with a further 55 under construction) early in the development. The project has established a good market for the product with strong sales.

Significant outputs have already been achieved;

•  300 homes constructed – 101 affordable 1, 2 and 3 bed flats and houses

•  Biomass Energy Centre completed and operational

•  £750k in S106 contribution to B&NES

•  £260k PA received in New Homes Bonus

•  Demonstrated Crest/B&NES/HCA and Curo have formed a good partnership

With the support of the Council to use LEP Revolving Infrastructure funding (RIF), Crest entered into an Agreement with Wales and West (WWU) under which the gas towers have been decommissioned and the demolition and remediation processes commenced. The first phase of decommissioning is complete and WWU has now surrendered the Hazardous Storage Licence. In parallel, Crest (and by contracting RIF, the Council) has been granted an option to acquire the Wales and West site which extends through to 2018 and which provides the necessary control from which to bring forward the remaining phases.

The Council is developing plans to relocate the waste transfer and recycling site with options to consolidate and improve the waste service activities. This may be achieved by relocation of the waste management operation to Pixash Lane, Keynsham and the Household Recycling Centre onto an alternative Bath site.

Councillor Steve Hedges asked if the gasometer was still there.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that the gasometer was still there, but it had been de-commissioned. He added that it will take two years to take it down.

The Chair asked if the Radstock Road recycling facility was due to close down.

The Regeneration Team Manager replied that he was not sure and would try to find out for her. Following the meeting the Democratic Services Officer was informed by the Regeneration Team Manager that there are absolutely no plans to close the public Recycling Centre at Wheelers Hill, Old Welton (off Radstock Rd).

The Chair asked if the highways works associated with the NRR were due to commence before the 16^th July 2014.

The Divisional Director for Project Management replied that there were no plans to commence before that date and that the Town Council would be notified of a start date. He added that they hoped to leave as much infrastructure in place as possible during the works.

Councillor June Player asked if any update was available regarding the old Bath Press site.

The Regeneration Team Manager replied that the Council had met recently with Tesco and that he now expected a residential led application to be submitted.

The Chair commented that she would appreciate an update on project activity in Midsomer Norton in due course.

The Regeneration Team Manager replied that he would be happy to provide one to the Panel.

Councillor Steve Hedges commented that he believed some people may be sleeping on the Bath Press site.

The Chair asked for the Head of Housing to note this comment.

Councillor David Veale asked if any retail outlet was planned for the site.

The Regeneration Team Manager replied that a small scale one was likely.

The Chair thanked him for the update on behalf of the Panel.