A bid to replace a closed Bath DIY store with nearly 300 retirement flats has been thrown out. 

Councillors bemoaned the loss of 82 affordable homes at the former Homebase site in Pines Way but were told Bath and North East Somerset Council could not defend the issue at appeal.

 

Instead Guild Living’s proposals – for up to 288 flats for over 65s with care facilities plus a communal restaurant, wellness centre and gym – were rejected because of the buildings’ six-storey height, aluminium-clad design and impact on the World Heritage Site. 

The demolition of the Homebase store was approved last year. It sits within the wider Sydenham Park site, which is allocated for some 500 homes. In normal housing schemes, 30 per per cent must be affordable. 

Westmoreland ward member Councillor June Player told the planning committee: “The delivery of affordable housing is of critical importance and the loss of this provision here and the likely reduction across the site is unacceptable.

“Due to so much being at stake for nearby residents I have to ask you to refuse this application.” 

The plans were met with 190 objections, with one branding it a “ghetto for the elderly”.

Others said the development would “stick out like a sore thumb”. 

Representing the developer, Andrew Maltby said the scheme would not be a gated community and the cafe, pool and exercise studios would be open to the public.

Stephen Sumner, LDRS