As reported on 5 December, PG Group are proposing a series of amendments to the 2016 Carriageworks planning permission.
The proposals are still being finalised but we wanted to release what we know as of now.
The most significant changes, which will require a new planning permission, relate to Block A on Ashley Road. If you have any comments please write them at the bottom of this page or email to ideas@carriageworks.org.uk. We will then collate all the responses and send them to PG Group. There will be a short deadline for comments, as yet to be confirmed, so please send as soon as possible.
1 Minor changes to the facade on Stokes Croft
Changes to the window details of Block B (the site of Westmorland House) and to bring forward recessed balconies on the left hand side. This is a minor amendment so can be dealt with by the planning officer and will not need a planning application. Click for drawing comparing existing permission with the new proposal.
2 Changes to the building on Ashley Road (Block A)
As these are significant changes a new planning application will have to be submitted.
The footprint of the building (known as Block A) stays the same as does the setback from the pavement.
In the existing permission the part of Block A (click to open image showing Block locations) that is away from Ashley Road (previously referred to as A2) is six stories high while the part next to Ashley Rd (previously known as A1) is four stories. This is changing so that Block A1 is the same height as A2 i.e. six stories high, albeit with the top floor set back from the frontage (see our cross-section diagram below). PG have told us that the increase in floor space is essential to ensure that the scheme is viable.
While the height of A1 increases the height of A2 (and Block A as a whole) stays the same. It also stays a lot lower than the old seven storey Westmorland House although this was set back from the Ashley Road frontage.
There is no change to the footway entrance from Ashley Road.
The facade is changed (see CGI drawings below). Note: Following a meeting between CAG and PG Group on 18 January PG agreed to revise the facade treatment. We expect to have the revisions by 28 January.
There are also internal changes e.g. one internal stair and lift core instead of two. To retain fire safety a sprinkler system will be used throughout the common areas of the residential blocks.
1.5 residential units and some servicing space on the ground floor will be changed to commercial use.
Section through Block A showing extension of top floors over Block A1. Diagram by CAG, not PG!
Comparison of existing planning permission (2016) with proposal (2018)
View looking up Ashley Road towards Cheltenham Road traffic lights
View from Cheltenham Road traffic lights looking down Ashley Road
View from Picton Street
3 Changes to Block D
Previously there were proposals to change Block D (the affordable housing block) by converting the two ground floor residential units to retail, adding a new storey and using that to add four residential units (so a net gain of two units). The additional storey would have significantly impacted on residents in Hepburn Road and has now been dropped.
We will provide updates as we receive them from PG Group.