The University has started work on a new student accommodation at the eastern edge of our Claverton Down campus. It will provide 926 new bed spaces and supporting amenities, allowing us to house all our first-year students on campus when complete. ​Works are expected to last for approximately two years.

Extensive measures and processes are in place to manage and mitigate noise, dust and light pollution, and to minimise the impact of construction-related traffic. We'll publish timely updates on this page and through signage around campus.

For safety and security, temporary hoardings will be erected around the site.

This is a landmark investment, demonstrating the University’s commitment to our students and to remaining at the forefront of the sector for the long term.​

How we'll manage the impact of construction traffic on local roads

The construction project will require the delivery of heavy machinery and materials. The University has worked with Graham, our construction partner, on a wide range of measures to manage and mitigate the impact of construction vehicles on local roads.

Action to manage and minimise congestion

A dedicated Logistics Officer will strictly coordinate all construction traffic, deliveries and collections, to prevent vehicle ‘stacking’. We will coordinate deliveries with bus and school times to avoid large deliveries and ease congestion at peak times.

Safeguarding road users

All vehicles are safety-equipped with reversing and blind-spot cameras, audible turning alarms, and cycle safety signage. All drivers and suppliers must have cycle awareness training before working on the project.

Clear site signage and access routes have been developed to reduce blind spots and logistics planning aims to minimise trips overall and reduce the risk of accidents.

An incident reporting process is in place to handle issues and accidents promptly.

Preventive action

Graham will provide induction for all delivery drivers and provide clear delivery instructions in advance to avoid satnav errors. Traffic marshals and banksmen are appointed to handle onsite movements safely.

There will be logical access approaches from Claverton Down Road and Norwood Avenue, with clear site entrance signage to avoid overshooting and turning. An incident reporting process is in place to handle issues and accidents promptly.

How noise, dust, and light pollution will be minimised during construction

We take health, safety, and the preservation of the local environment very seriously. A wide range of measures, using the latest technology, will be in place to mitigate the impact of all forms of pollution.

These include:

• noise and vibration monitors that will use acoustic matting and shielding for noisy and vibrating heavy equipment
• dust dampening measures, wheel-washing facilities, and road cleaners
• environmental measures to minimise light pollution from essential safety and security site lighting, taking into consideration our local bat population
• hoardings around the site to minimise visual impact and to deaden noise

The University and Graham will monitor all information and local feedback to enhance these measures if any issues are detected.

Past consultation on planning application

Public consultation

The University sought views on the proposed R7 Student Accommodation Project at our Claverton Down campus from staff, students and members of the public, in advance of completing a pre-application process before the full planning application, which can be found on the Bath and North East Somerset Council Planning Portal.

In-person public consultation events were held in Bath in April 2025, during which visitors were invited to view drawings and artists’ impressions of the eight-building project and associated works, and to discuss aspects of the plans with members of the project team.

Background to the R7 project

The University’s Masterplan, which was carefully developed with a wide range of stakeholders and agreed with Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES) in 2021, includes plans for increased provision of on-campus student accommodation to the east of the campus site.

The planning application was referred to the B&NES Planning Committee, which resolved to approve the application on 15 April 2026. The final Decision Notice, approving the development, was issued on 31 July 2026.

'This is an important development for the University and I hope that as many members of our community as possible will come and see the proposals and have their say on this exciting project'. — Dr Ghazwa Alwani-Starr, Chief Operating Officer at the University of Bath