Go-ahead finally given to redevelop derelict flats

05/06/2010

Residents and councillors in the Weston area of Bath are celebrating the news that the long-awaited redevelopment of disused flats in the area have finally been given the green light.

The go-head for the redevelopment of the Church Street flats has been given by social landlord The Guinness Trust, which owns the building. The news comes following a decision by the Trust to use its own funding for the project alongside Homes and Communities Agency money.

The flats have sat empty for several years and have become the subject of complaints by neighbours about antisocial behaviour. Complaints have centred on reports of youths gathering in a covered underpass which forms part of the apartment bloc, with graffiti appearing on the walls of the flats.

The redevelopment of the flats, which has had planning permission for almost two years, will address this problem by removing the archway under which the problems have occurred.

Weston’s Conservative Councillors, Colin Barrett and Malcolm Lees, have campaigned for the site to be redeveloped for many years and have worked closely with the Guinness Trust to see work started. They also thanked the work of the local police beat manager and his team for working with them and the Guinness Trust to address the antisocial behaviour issues at the site.

Welcoming the news of the redevelopment, Cllr Colin Barrett (Cons, Weston) said:

“We have worked hard to see these plans get off the drawing board and have waited many years to get this far. It’s fantastic news that the funding is finally now in place for this redevelopment to go ahead. The new homes on the site will not only provide new affordable housing for local people but will also be more in-keeping with the area’s Conservation Area status.”

Fellow Weston councillor Malcolm Lees (Cons) commented:

“These flats have been empty for many years now and residents have expressed concerns about the number of young people that gather there as well as graffiti at the site. We’ve worked with the police to address these issues, but the redevelopment of the flats should hopefully resolve the problems for good. Myself and Colin would like to thank the Guinness Trust for the work they have put into this scheme over many years.”