We have helped Guild Living secure planning consent for their proposed transformational urban regeneration development of the former Homebase site in Bath. The Site, within the Bath Enterprise Area, forms part of the Bath Western Riverside. The consented development comprises a mixed use scheme of residential and commercial uses, with public realm enhancements. The planning consent was granted at Appeal by the Planning Inspectorate following a Public Inquiry.

Nicholas Pearson Associates provided complementary services of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), and the preparation of Verified View Montages (VVMs), as part of an Environmental Statement submitted with the planning application.

We provided early advice on potential development parameters based upon the planning policy context and our experience of working on a range of development projects across the city. We were closely involved through the iterative design process as the proposals responded positively to the opportunities and constraints of the location. This included with respect to ecological sensitivities associated with bat habitat along the River Avon corridor and related potential impacts on the Bath and Bradford on Avon Special Area of Conservation.

We undertook a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) which considered the existing landscape character of the site and its setting, as well as the range of local and wider views across the city. The assessment noted a range of benefits associated with the positive regeneration of the Site, including with respect to the public realm. Key recommendations we advised on  to maximise integration included the stepping down in building height towards the river, the design of the roofscape and the need for high quality public realm.

The high quality VVMs that we prepared illustrated how the proposals would integrate with the local area and also with the emerging wider redevelopment of the Enterprise Area.

Our ecology work included advice on mitigation associated with lighting impacts together with design inputs with respect to demonstrating that the proposals would provide Biodiversity Net Gain.

We provided Expert Witness support to the Public Inquiry. Our LVIA and VVM work was accepted by all parties as being sound and prepared in accordance with best practice. We were recognised by B&NES during the Inquiry as “a long-established and highly regarded firm of landscape architects.” Our VVM work was referenced by the Planning Inspector in his report and assisted him in the determining the effects of the development.

Our work on the project continues our involvement in the wide range of development sites and projects across Bath. Such experience, with our detailed knowledge of the locality provides added value to our clients. The quality of our work has been recognised by Bath and North East Somerset and has been helpful in the positive determination of planning applications.

“Nicholas Pearson Associates was an important part of our team for this successful planning decision. They helped us understand the context and were responsive to the needs of the project. Their support through the scheme has been greatly appreciated.”   

Development Director, Guild Living