Redevelopment of an historic but overlooked area of Bath is taking another step towards completion after planning permission was granted for its final phase.
Building work on part of Walcot Yard, off Walcot Street, is already underway with a courtyard of eight three-bedroomed houses by Bath-based developers Kersfield. 
Now construction on the remainder of the yard – known as the North Range – is to go ahead following the granting of a scheme drawn up by Bath planning, design and regeneration consultancy Nash Partnership for the site’s owners London & Argyll Developments, which bought the yard from what was then Bath City Council in 1996.
The site is within the City of Bath Conservation Area, the World Heritage Site and close to a number of listed buildings.
The North Range part of the yard is made up of former workshops and in poor structural condition, pictured. Studies supporting the recent planning application show the building’s conversion would require the replacement of most of its structural elements.
In 2009 Bath & North East Somerset Council granted planning permission for the re-development of the upper part of the yard subject to the conclusion of a Section 106 legal agreement for planning obligations.
Nash’s scheme for the North Range will feature a row of three-storey terraced houses down the site using the same materials and colours that have brought character to the yard in recent decades, pictured. 
Nash Partnership director of planning Mike Fox said: “After nearly 10 years of inactivity, Walcot Yard will be able to contribute to the vibrant and diverse range of shops and small-scale, independent businesses nearby.
“The North Range scheme will provide a distinctive new development of seven townhouses, which maximises the site’s use and minimises the impact upon surrounding heritage assets. Providing new housing in this central location will also help to foster more sustainable lifestyles by providing housing within easy access to jobs, shops and services by foot, bicycle and public transport – a key council policy aim.”
