Eight residential dwellings at Ashleigh House, Paulton, Bristol

What was proposed

The application proposed four terraced homes, four converted or extended residential dwellings, access, parking and landscaping.

“The application seeks planning permission for the renovation and conversion of Ashleigh House to two dwellings, the demolition of the existing bungalow and the construction of four terraced dwellings and the erection of two coach houses to replace the existing garages.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains vacant, deteriorated buildings in a conservation area, including Ashleigh House, a non-designated heritage asset.

“REPORT The application site comprises Ashleigh House, a two-storey property, a single-storey bungalow which fronts Paulton High Street and a number of garages. Both of the properties have not been occupied for a number of years and are in a deteriorated condition. Ashleigh House is a detached building in the Paulton Conservation Area.”

Officer report

Earlier application

An earlier prior-approval request to convert the existing social club structure into two homes was withdrawn in August 2024.

“24/02698/CDCOU Prior approval request for the existing social club structure to be retained and interior remodelled to create two new dwellings each with 3 bedrooms, bathrooms, open plan kitchen and living room and private amenity spaces. Withdrawn: 15th August 2024”

Officer report

Main planning concerns

The assessment considered design, heritage, residential amenity, highways, ecology, drainage, contamination, accessibility, education and sustainability.

“OFFICER ASSESSMENT The main issues to consider are:”

“Principle of development 2. Character and appearance 3. Impact to heritage assets 4. Residential amenity 5. Highways 6. Arboriculture 7. Ecology 8. Drainage and flooding 9. Contaminated Land 10. Housing accessibility 11. Education 12. Sustainable construction 13. Public Sector Equality Duty 14. Planning balance and conclusion…”

Officer report

Public comments

One person supported the housing and location, while two objectors cited overdevelopment, overlooking, heritage and traffic risks.

“- Focuses on a sustainable brownfield site - Close to the centre of Paulton with easy access to shops, services and amenities - Well connected by public transport - Sustainable location - Deliver much needed housing for local people…”

“- Potential overdevelopment - Overlooking - Impact to listed buildings - Archway should be restored - Concern about the installation of traffic lights or street infrastructure - Increased traffic emerging onto the High Street will cause congestion and hazards…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant supported the proposal, and a ward councillor supported the residential element but raised concerns about highway conditions and traffic.

Members’ discussion

Members broadly supported the scheme but focused on the southern access and ensuring that suitable highway works preceded occupation.

“In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed: 1. The car parking was policy compliant. The application had been assessed in accordance with the details provided and not as a car free development. 2. Condition 10 would ensure that highway works were in place pre-occupation. 3. The development was too small to be considered for a car club. Electric vehicle charging was a building regulations issue rather than a planning consideration.”

“Cllr Simon opened the debate and expressed the view that it was an imaginative scheme for an important site and noted that the ward councillor was supportive in principle of the residential development. He considered the key issue to be the southern access and moved that officers be delegated to permit the application and reconsider the wording of condition 10 to ensure satisfactory arrangements were in place pre-occupation. Cllr Hounsell seconded the motion.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The motion to delegate permission was carried unanimously, with nine votes in favour and none against.

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (9 in favour and 0 against).”

Minutes

What was decided

Officers were delegated to permit the application, subject to a tree contribution, report conditions and an amended highway condition.

“RESOLVED that officers be delegated to permit the application subject to: 1. A Section 106 Agreement to cover a financial contribution of £6,420 for 5 off- site replacement trees. 2. The conditions set out in the report with an amendment to condition 10 to include reference to the proposed highway works or an alternative scheme to be agreed in advance with the local authority. (or other such conditions as may be appropriate).”

Minutes