First new council homes in Bath for decades open to tenants

Bath and North East Somerset’s first new council-owned homes in nearly three decades are now open to tenants looking for affordable housing.  

Based on the site of former council offices at Newbridge Hill on the outskirts of Bath, seven one and two-bed affordable apartments have been created.  

The development is part of Bath and North East Somerset’s £12m ‘B&NES Homes’ programme to build 58 council houses to help meet housing demand.  

Members of the NHS working in the area will be given priority for the homes, which were completed by the council’s housing company Aequus Construction, as they are close to the Royal United Hospital.  

Cllr Tom Davies, cabinet member for Adult Services and Council House Building said: ‘The seven apartments available in 117 Newbridge Hill are the first general needs council houses provided by the council for a generation and represent the start of the council’s ‘B&NES Homes’ programme to directly deliver low-cost homes in our area.  

‘Councillors heard recently that the future pipeline of homes which will be delivered through the council’s ‘B&NES Homes’ programme already totals nearly 200 properties and this demonstrates the council’s commitment to play a direct role in the delivery of new low-cost homes which will transform the lives of the residents who live in them.’ 

The energy efficiency of the building was improved as part of the conversion, with draughty windows replaced, low energy lighting fitted and insulation added in. Electric vehicle charging points and cycle docks are also available on site.  

Aequus has already refurbished former council offices in Keynsham in Somerset, providing 95 studio one and two-bed apartments, but these were not available at social rent.  

Potential tenants can find the apartments through the council’s housing allocation scheme Homesearch from December 16th to 10th January.

Photo by Lāsma Artmane