Planning news in and around Radstock this week:

A planning application is in to build on land to the North West of the junction of Mill Road and Frome Road, in Radstock. Mr Charlton of Buckland Down has applied for outline planning with all matters reserved to build a detached home on the land, details on the B&NES planning reference 21/05103/OUT.

The owners of 20 Bath Road, in Peasedown St. John (under reference

21/05390/FUL) have applied to build a single storey rear extension and replacement side porch extension. In Paulton the homeowners of 7 Brookside Close, BS39 7NN (under reference 21/05383/FUL) have applied to build a single storey rear extension and associated works. And in Freshford, Southview, on the High Street, ( BA2 7WE

21/05413/FUL) has applied to build a single storey rear extension.

In other housing news:

The last new contemporary apartment at the site of Bath & North East Somerset Council's former offices in Keynsham has now been sold.

Sheila Harper is the final buyer to make her home at one of the 95 studio, one and two bedroom apartments at Riverside View.

The development of the 1960s site to provide more housing for the local community has been pivotal to the regeneration of Keynsham. It was delivered by the council's construction and development company Aequus.

Riverside View has generated £2.63m plus dividends to the council which is used to fund frontline services.

More than 98% of the demolition material from the former office buildings was recycled. Sustainability measures including composite double-glazed windows and low energy LED lighting were incorporated into the design of the apartments.

The first homes went on sale, initially to local residents, in April 2019 with the first resident moving in during December. 47% of the sales have been through the Government's Help to Buy Scheme that allows first time buyers to borrow up to 20 per cent of the cost of a new home.

Councillor Kevin Guy, council Leader, said: "The sale of the last apartment is a fantastic milestone in the success of Riverside View. This sought-after development has provided vital new housing for Keynsham and helped people get their foot on the housing ladder. It is also benefitting residents across B&NES as the revenue supports the funding of our frontline services. I wish Sheila every happiness in her new home at the heart of this vibrant community."

Sheila Harper said: "I've lived in Keynsham since 1976 in two different properties and have raised two children, 44 and 41. I have been widowed for eleven years and now need a new chapter in my life. When I saw the new development in Temple Street, I didn't think I would be able to afford to move into an apartment there. But after a while of thinking about it, I went to see one and fell in love with it straight away. It means I can stay in the area I know and feel secure for my later years. It impressed me straight away because it was so light and bright, with no more worries over maintenance, that you get with a house."

Aequus was shortlisted in the annual LGC Awards for its innovative and bold redevelopment of the 1960s civic centre building to deliver modern, affordable, sustainable homes.

Charles Gerrish, Chairman of Aequus, said: "l am pleased that the development has now been completed, delivering to the council revenue resources over and above those that had been budgeted for with a highly sustainable building repurposing an otherwise redundant structure, with a positive environmental benefit and demonstrating that the company has the expertise in delivering for the public benefit."

Aequus was established by the council in 2016 to develop, deliver, own and manage the local authority's private residential property.