They’re back!
I thought it wouldn’t be long before a new set of proposals – for transforming a much-loved city-centre heritage-building into a 160 bed luxury hotel – appeared online.
I am talking about the Singapore-based Fragrance Group who bought the Grade 2 star listed former Mineral Water Hospital – in Bath city-centre – with plans to turn it into ‘a landmark, high-quality life-style hotel’ – to quote from their new web-page.
A planning application for this multi-million pound scheme was recently turned down by B&NES planning committee on grounds of scale and mass, and a lack of green space. The committee also acknowledged the fears of neighbours that they would loose light and be overlooked.
Well, Fragrance UK – Bath Ltd (Fragrance) have just launched what they call an ‘Exhibition’ website which sets out their new proposals and invites comments from local people.
I quote:
‘As you may be aware, a previous application for the site was refused in September 2020, despite a recommendation to approve the proposals from Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council planning officers. Since then, Fragrance has reflected on the feedback received and worked hard to bring forward revised proposals for the site.
This website contains further information about the history of the site, the revised proposals and the changes which have been made since the refusal of the previous application last year.
We are keen to hear the views of the local community on our revised proposals for the redevelopment of the iconic former Royal Mineral Water Hospital prior to submitting a new planning application to Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council in the coming months.
If you would like to provide feedback or request any additional information on the revised proposals please use the online form on our ‘Contact us’ page.’
In a nutshell, the new proposals set out what will no-doubt eventually make-up a revised application which reduces the original number of beds and also sees a reduction in the scale of the proposed extension to ‘ensure minimal impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.’
They now want to include ‘ a sensitively designed garden area which will deliver an enhancement to biodiversity on the site as well as green walls and planted terracing on the proposed extension.’
There would be ‘significant public realm improvements on Upper Borough Walls and Parsonage lane’ as well as ‘managed public access – as well as guided walks and tours – to the two Roman mosaics discovered on the site.’
The new hotel will also have ‘high-quality spa facilities accessible to guests and members of the public’ and – of course – lead to the ‘creation of 120 full time jobs and investment of £35 million into the local economy and supply chain during construction and operation.’
Go look for yourselves via http://theminexhibition.co.uk
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