926 student homes at Eastern Sports Field, Claverton Down, Bath

The site and surroundings

The 4.47-hectare site contains grass sports pitches, a disused tennis court, car parks and landscaped areas within the eastern campus.

“The application site currently comprises two existing grass sports pitches, a disused tennis court which is currently occupied by a marquee for Modern Pentathlon, two car parking areas and landscaped areas. It measures approximately 4.47 hectares and is located in the eastern part of the campus. The University is subject to site allocation SB19 within the development plan.”

“To the north of the site is existing student car parking and beyond that student accommodation (including The Quads, Woodland Court, Solsbury Court and Marlborough Court) and educational buildings. The site is bordered to the east by a Public Bridleway (BC74/1), as well as woodland. Beyond the woodland belt is Bushey Norwood which is owned by the National Trust and accessible to the public.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered temporary parking, sports pitches and a MUGA, a temporary marquee, fencing, and infrastructure applications still under consideration.

“16/00185/FUL PERMIT - 24 March 2016 Erection of temporary carpark for 2 years in existing sports field with surfacing, associated boundary fencing and lighting.”

“26/01060/FUL PENDING CONSIDERATION Erection of a temporary marquee to house an obstacle course…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the proposal, while two ward councillors raised road safety, active travel, healthcare and student accommodation concerns and requested deferral.

What members debated

Members discussed traffic, parking, active travel, buses, healthcare, HMOs, housing supply, lighting, the bat corridor and the balance of benefits and harm.

“In response to Members’ questions, it was confirmed: 1. In terms of highway safety, the application would result in a reduction in car parking which would reduce traffic accessing the site. 2. There were parking controls in the area which would prevent parking in the surrounding area. 3. The Scholars Way scheme would be delivered this year and would include a crossing which would help mitigate concerns.”

“Cllr Jackson acknowledged the concerns about the bat corridor but also noted that any reduction in lighting would have an impact on the safety of users of the car park. She raised concern about the lack of a plan for how the contribution towards Active Travel would be spent, but on balance she confirmed she would support the motion.”

Minutes

The vote

The motion to delegate permission was carried with five members in favour, two against and one abstention.

“Cllr Hughes spoke against the motion, expressing concerns that the growth of the university could result in an increase in the number of HMOs; that some objections were still outstanding; there would be the harm to the Cotswold National Landscape; there would be increased pressure on health care and active travel plans were inadequate.”

“On voting for the motion, it was CARRIED (5 in favour, 2 against and 1 abstention).”

Minutes

The decision

Members authorised permission subject to a Section 106 agreement, conditions and referral to the Secretary of State.

“RESOLVED that officers be granted delegated authority to permit the application subject to: 1. A Section 106 Agreement to cover the following: a. Delivery of an enhanced Active Travel Link between Norwood Avenue and The Avenue b. A financial contribution of £850,000 towards an Active Travel link between the campus and city centre c. A refundable Travel Plan bond of £150,000 d. A contribution of £426,411 towards primary healthcare e.”

Minutes