The rather controversial changes to the planning system come into effect from today to allow, amongst other things, offices to be converted into residential without planning permission.

The main changes are
- Premises in B1(a) office use will be able to change to C3 residential use, subject to prior approval covering flooding, highways and transport issues and contamination.

- Premises in the B1, C1, C2, C2A, D1 and D2 use classes will be able to change use permanently to a state-funded school, subject to prior approval covering highways and transport impacts and noise.

- There will be increased limits for home and business extensions. For a period of three years, the respective size limits and percentage increases are to be doubled.

- Agricultural buildings under 500 square metres will be able to change to A1, A2, A3, B1, B8, C1 and D2 use. For buildings between 150 square metres and 500 square metres, prior approval covering flooding, highways and transport impacts, and noise will be required.

- Buildings with A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, B1, D1 and D2 uses will be permitted to change use for a period of up two years to A1, A2, A3 and B1 uses to help new and start-up businesses.

- There will be increased permitted development thresholds for business change of use. Thresholds will change from 235 square metres to 500 square metres for change of use from B1 or B2 to B8 and from B2 or B8 to B1.

The Corridor has been a prime destination for shoppers in the South West of England ever since the arcade was opened on 12 October 1825.
Following in the steps of the fashionable shopping arcades of Paris, London’s Burlington Arcade (built in 1819) and The Corridor became Britain’s first examples of indoor, covered arcades. Over 10,000 people and local dignitaries attended the opening of the arcade which was designed and built by local architect Henry Edmund Goodridge.

Goodridge was the son of a successful Bath builder, James Goodridge. Henry developed his own style of architecture from his early Greek revival work to his later eclectic mix of Greek, Italian and Romanesque features which were inspired by his travels abroad.

On its completion in 1825, the residents of Bath could see how The Corridor showcased Goodridge’s neo-classical influences. The Grade II listed arcade featured at the High Street end, a Doric colonnade and arch with marble columns. A musician’s gallery with a wrought iron balustrade and gilt lions’ heads and garlands is in the centre of the arcade making it one of the most attractive of its kind in the world.

Steeped in history, The Corridor has had its fair share of famous traders. Back in 1849, J Breeze Esq, a Hire Cutter and Perfumer at No 4 The corridor placed an advert in the Bath Directory informing the “Gentry, notability and public in general” of his “many years of study and experience into the invention of Hair Dye which effectually changes red or grey hair in a few minutes to a beautiful black or brown and is warranted to stand in any climate”.
Over the years, The Corridor has been home to a wide variety of stores, a mix which continues to the present day with visitors enjoying a wide range of high quality outlets.

If you are ever wandering through the arcade, think of the history, think of Henry Goodridge and most importantly stop and have a look at whats on offer to keep The Corridor thriving for another 185 years.

Situated in Widcombe, an affluent suburb south of the River Avon in central Bath, the premises are located off Widcombe Parade, a picturesque retail destination popularised high quality independent restaurants, shops and galleries. The premises benefit from high visibility along Widcombe Bridge and waterside views to the rear.

The premises are newly constructed and finished to a shell specification ready for tenant fit out. Final handover specification is negotiable and interested parties should make further application to the sole agents.

Allan Lloyd ahl@colstonandcolston.com 01225 904704

Secure car parking with electric door. space for 4 cars (2 pair in tandem.)

Contact Allan Lloyd for further details 01225 904704

The Old Malthouse, Clarence Street. To Let

2643 sq ft

Situated just off the London Road, one of the principle routes into the City of Bath, with easy access to the A46 out to the M4. The unit has level access off Clarence Street and on street parking available. The area is predominantly residential but with close proximity to London Road, and Walcot Street, benefits from all the usual amenities.

The unit is configured into 3 open plan rooms off a wide corridor running the full length of the demise. The unit has separate access with an intercom off the main entrance. The premises would suit a variety of office, studio and workshop users and is available on flexible leasehold terms. All interested parties to make enquiries through the sole agents.

Allan Lloyd 01225 904 704 ahl@colstonandcolston.com

Well located offices for sale or to let in central location off Queen Square.

446 sq ft at first floor level with added benefit of car parking.

Enquiries to the Sole Agents. Allan Lloyd ahl@colstonandcolston.com 01225 704 904

The premises are offered by way of assignment of the existing lease for a term of 10 years from May 2011.

The unit offers quality retail over ground and first floors with additional showrooms space at second and third, with lower ground storage.

Sales space measures 745 sq ft with 1,709 sq ft overall approx.

sales particulars are available upon application to the sole agents

contact Allan Lloyd ahl@colstonandcolston.com 01225 904 704

City Centre Verstaile Freehold For Sale

Quality unit for sale over two floors. Suitable for a variety of uses subject to planning. 286 sq ft approx NIA

Contact Allan Lloyd for further information or to arrange a viewing 01225 904704 ahl@colstonandcolston.com

We are delighted to announce that Allan Lloyd has joined Colston & Colston. Allan will boost the firms agency presence with his significant experience in the Bath market.

Small ground floor long leasehold retail/office unit with prominent main road frontage for sale.

Contact David Halewood (01225 830116 or dph@colstonandcolston.com)