Radstock residents get first look at redevelopment proposals for Walnut Buildings

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:47:32 Z

Around 70 people attended Curo’s public exhibition last week to see the proposals for the redevelopment of the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of survey respondents stating they support the redevelopment proposals as showcased, while the remainder were unsure.

Among the visitors’ favourite features were the layout of the scheme and home zone concept for the main road. There was also strong support for the design of the new homes, which were seen to complement the existing buildings and neighbourhood character.

Local residents also liked that the 32 homes proposed will be affordable, available through a mix of social rent and low-cost home ownership.

Many respondents commented positively about the sustainability features of the proposed homes, which will aim to achieve a minimum of 19% reduction in CO2 emissions using energy-efficient building materials, PV solar panels and air source heat pumps. Wildlife-enhancing features such as hedgehog highways and bird/bat/bee boxes were also popular.

Most visitors agreed that the proposals will lead to an improvement in the appearance of the area.

One visitor said: “The houses look as though they will be attractive; it will be a good mix of properties” while another commented: “It is a shame that the commercial builders do not adopt some of these practices.”

Ward councillors Bruce Shearn and Chris Dando were also present at the event.

Cllr Shearn says: “This is a great opportunity for Curo and our town to regenerate the area in keeping with the wider neighbourhood while providing modern and energy-efficient affordable homes.

“I know that there will be more tweaks and changes to the scheme, not least because of feedback received from residents during this public consultation, but I think Curo’s plans look great and could really transform this part of town for the better. I look forward to seeing the homes built and welcoming their new residents over the next couple of years.”

Cllr Dando says: “It was great to meet with local residents at the public exhibition last week and hear what they had to say about the proposed redevelopment. Curo’s designs show a well-thought-out scheme that could really benefit both existing residents and those families who may live in these new homes in the future.”

North East Somerset MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, commented: "Curo has clearly listened to residents and is offering attractive, traditional housing that is affordable and in keeping with Radstock’s history."

Local residents can still view and comment on the proposals here by Friday 24 September. Curo will take this feedback into consideration when refining the plans, before submitting a planning application to B&NES Council in late autumn.

Curo to consult on plans for 32 new affordable homes at Walnut Buildings site

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:31:07 Z

Curo is proposing to build 32 new affordable homes on the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings in Radstock.

A public exhibition of the redevelopment plans will take place on Thursday 9 September at Whisty Community Hall (BA3 3JL) and local residents are encouraged to drop in any time between 2-7pm.

The proposed homes are a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and 2- and 3-bedroom houses. Just over half of the new homes will be let at social rent to people on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s housing list (17) while the remainder (15) will be sold to first time buyers through the Shared Ownership scheme.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re looking forward to sharing our redevelopment plans for Walnut Buildings with the community in Radstock this month. I want to thank all residents who got involved in our first consultation earlier this year – your feedback was invaluable in developing these proposals and we hope you’ll come along to the exhibition to let us know what you think.

“The new scheme has been designed to complement existing homes and buildings and to improve the appearance and safety of the area, which were the community’s main priorities. The development could give more local people and families the opportunity to live in modern, warm and energy-efficient affordable homes.”

The proposals include electric vehicle (EV) charging points and a ‘home zone’ as the main road through the new development. A home zone is a space shared between vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and children, with consideration given to the wider needs of the residents.

The development will aim to achieve a 19% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to building regulations requirements, by using energy efficient building materials and renewable/low carbon technologies. This could mean the future homes at Walnut Buildings may feature air source heat pumps instead of gas boilers, while some may also have photovoltaic solar panels.

Curo are looking to submit a planning application to B&NES Council in winter 2021. Subject to securing planning permission, Curo could start works on site at Walnut Buildings by spring 2023 and complete the development by summer 2024.

Curo News

Radstock residents get first look at redevelopment proposals for Walnut Buildings

Curo to consult on plans for 32 new affordable homes at Walnut Buildings site