Previous plans for the former railway yard in Clutton. Freemantle Developments.
Permission for use by all partners
A derelict site in Clutton could be developed with 18 houses – but none will be classed as affordable. Parish councillors have backed Freemantle Developments’ proposals for The Wharf in Greensbrook, saying it was important to find a solution for the long empty land and raising concerns about the safety of the building.
Plans to redevelop the constrained former railway yard and make five out of 15 homes affordable were approved in 2015.
But Freemantle has since incurred substantial costs in undertaking intrusive ground-work investigations and reassessed the viability. It said in its updated plans: “Regrettably, due to high abnormal costs associated with land stability and contamination; high build costs; and low sales values in Clutton, the only viable option is one that does not include any affordable housing.
“Notwithstanding the absence of an affordable housing offer, which is regrettable but unavoidable, this scheme proposes low value affordable homes specifically targeting the first time buyer and downsizer market with a dwelling mix that would be appropriate for Clutton.
“The provision of one-three bedroom dwellings would better respond to the local need for young persons wishing to stay in the area; small households; and elderly residents, while the Help to Buy initiative will make home ownership a more tangible prospect for those on low incomes.”
The firm said it was very committed to building low cost, high value homes on the site and could start work as early as the autumn. Clutton Parish Council said it was keen to see the site redeveloped with housing and recognised the high costs involved. It said: “Bath and North East Somerset Council will undertake its own investigation into the viability of this development however the parish council would like a solution to be found for this site as it has been left empty for many years and there are concerns about the safety of the derelict buildings on the site.”
B&NES Council will decide the fate of the application.
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