Distribution premises in Bristol glad to see extra 700 local homes plan approved
House builder Taylor Wimpey has been given final approval to build 700 homes on the site of the former Cadbury factory in Keynsham, which will come as a great help to the ever increasing workforce in Bristol. Naturally, this is welcome news for Central Park, the distribution premises in Bristol, who will undoubtedly look to the local area for employees in the future.
The plans for the 220-acre site had been passed by the Bath and North-East Somerset Council planning committee in September but the scheme had been waiting for last details to be signed off by council officials. The scheme will see up to 700 homes, employment space, a new sports and social club with sports facilities and a new primary school. Work is already under way with the demolition of one of the existing factory blocks, known locally as Block D. This will pave the way for the new Fry Club, sports and social facility, to be built.
Charlie Joseph, sales and marketing director for Taylor Wimpey Bristol, said: “As well as building much-needed new homes – including affordable housing – our development will bring many additional benefits to the local area, including new employment opportunities as the build progresses.”
Councillor Paul Crossley, leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council, welcomed the approval. He said: “Combined with the £34 million regeneration of the town centre, this is another boost to revitalising Keynsham as great place to live, work and visit. The Council has been working hard alongside Taylor Wimpey to ensure that Somerdale has the right balance of homes, workspace for new local jobs and community facilities. This is an exciting development that will benefit residents both now and for generations to come.”
The new homes will range from one-bedroom apartments to five-bedroom detached houses. The old Fry Club, the former factory social club harking back to when the site was owned by Fry’s, will be knocked down an replaced with new changing rooms, five function rooms, a sports bar with a skittle alley and a multi-activity room for community groups.
A new FA-standard floodlit football pitch and two new cricket pitches will be provided in addition to 13 full-size and two junior football pitches, two existing cricket pitches and a nine-hole golf course which are being retained. The masterplan includes space for a few shops, medical centre, a riverside cafe and a care home, as well as a 210-place nursery and a primary school. Some of the existing factory buildings will be kept and used to create 10,000 square metre of employment space, which developers hope will attract companies to the area.
Source: Bristol Post