An online public consultation is underway on the mixed-use redevelopment of a car showroom site on Bath’s Lower Bristol Road to overcome the ban on public gatherings during the coronavirus lockdown.
Regional car dealership group Dick Lovett has teamed up with national developer Watkin Jones Group to draw up plans for its BMW and MINI car showrooms. 
They are seeking planning permission for 360 build-to-rent units, including affordable homes, purpose-built student accommodation and around 750 sq m of flexible commercial space on the site, which is within Bath’s Riverside regeneration area.
Ahead of submitting the planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES), Watkin Jones Group and Dick Lovett are seeking feedback from the public on the proposals.
Instead of the traditional public meeting and exhibition of the plans, the consultation materials will be available online for an extended period to allow people to view them and leave comments.
Details about the consultation have still been posted to all residents and businesses neighbouring the site and for those unable to view the proposals online, hard copy materials will be available on request. 
A Watkin Jones spokesman said: “We are disappointed not to be able to meet members of the public face to face during this consultation, but we feel it is only sensible to hold a ‘virtual’ consultation online.
“Our scheme offers a variety of residential homes, commercial space as well as managed purpose-built student accommodation. This will help B&NES realise its aspirations for this key part of the Bath Riverside regeneration scheme as well as helping to meet housing targets for the city.”
The online consultation continues until May 9. Swindon-based Dick Lovett plans to relocate the dealerships to Melksham, where it is building a new state-of-the-art showroom centre.
For more information and to view the proposals, visit www.lowerbristolroadredevelopment.co.uk
Anyone unable to access the online consultation can phone 01225 423400 to receive a hard copy.
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