Date published: 2025-02-04 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Planning
A statement which sets out how planning applications for co-living schemes will be assessed is being consulted on by Bath & North East Somerset Council.
The adopted B&NES Local Plan does not currently include a policy specifically relating to co-living schemes. The consultation on the Co-Living Position statement, which launched yesterday (3 Feb), sets out the council’s interim position on this type of development.
Co-living is a relatively new model of housing with no standard policy definition. The developments are purpose-built residential schemes that include private studio bedspaces with access to shared communal facilities. They may be new build, or conversions of existing buildings but they generally feature flexible tenancies, with a focus on communal areas to facilitate engagement and a sense of community and rent that includes all bills and access to services and in many cases, a concierge or management service.
The position statement clarifies how the council will assess planning applications for co-living proposals with regards to the following topics: amenity standards, occupancy, sustainable construction, affordable housing contribution and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) liability.
You can respond to the consultation using the online webform at the bottom of this page on the council website. The deadline to submit comments is 4 March, 2025.
All comments will be reviewed and any relevant amendments will be made before a final position statement is published in March / April 2025.
Please email planning_policy@bathnes.gov.uk if you have any queries relating to the consultation.
ENDS