B&NES Local Plan
CPRE takes an active interest in planning proposals which would encroach on the Greenbelt, AONBs or have an adverse on the rural environment. In this regard we have commented on the latest modifications to the local plan.
Details of the plan on the B&NES Council website
The CPRE response to the Proposed Modifications
General comment
CPRE notes that there are still several aspects of potential development (e.g. potential expansion of Bath Spa University, designated as a major developed site in the Green Belt with a defined boundary) which are not included in the local plan modifications and is keen to ensure that these are subject to early consultation in due course, rather than allowing detailed and potentially nugatory detailed design to take place which in itself can promote a momentum for change that becomes hard to resist.
Keynsham development
CPRE’s view is that development in the Greenbelt should be avoided, unless there are very special circumstances. CPRE has seen the rationale put forward in the modifications for siting additional housing in Keynsham rather than elsewhere in the authority’s area, however would question whether Keynsham does indeed have the infrastructure to cope with 700 more houses anywhere: the A4 and A37 are beyond capacity, the train service to Bath and Bristol is less than ideal and there is no employment potential for 700 households in so there will be an increase in people travelling into Bath and Bristol. There appears to be a risk that Keynsham and its environs will be turned into a convenient “dumping ground” for extra housing and, as there is insufficient space within Keynsham, they will just keep moving into the Green Belt, which CPRE opposes. The Parish Councils have, to our knowledge, been given no opportunity to express views (although it is recognized that they will have been sent a hard copy of the documentation). It therefore seems appropriate to:
- Consider what planning conditions need to be in place to support additional housing in Keynsham (with assurances that such conditions would be enforced)
- Reconsideration of where any such housing should be sited, if it confirmed that it can be supported (with full consultation of both Keynsham and other affected parishes)
The CPRE is keen to be involved in discussion on the siting of further housing in the B&NES area, and in particular the challenges around sustainable development to balance the employment, transport, housing and countryside needs in the area.
Newbridge Park and Ride
CPRE is keen to avoid proliferation and expansion of Park and Ride Schemes where these have an adverse effect on our countryside. However it is recognized that the removal of para C1.10A (which referred to a proposed alteration to the Green Belt boundary at Newbridge) and GDS.1/B1A are to be welcomed. Concern is however expressed at the proposed expansion of the existing park and ride facility at Newbridge, the proposals for which will be reviewed when available.
University of Bath
The area being removed from the green belt is large at over 50 acres and is adjacent to Bushey Norwood. We note the conditions in GDS.1/B11 p174 re the development on this land.
Agricultural buildings
CPRE would like to understand the rationale for the removal of presumption and would wish to see it restored unless there are valid reasons for the change. The revised wording appears to weaken considerably the control over inappropriate changes to agricultural buildings.
Routes for walking, cycling or horse riding: p93 Policy SR.9
It is recognized that the omission of the various specific routes from the original plan is in line with the Inspector’s recommendation R3.33. It is understood that the specific mention of the Riverside Walk is in the context that this is a new development rather than an existing one and does not diminish the commitment to all existing routes.