South Gloucestershire CPRE’s response to the original draft version of the Regional Spatial Strategy

We strongly opposed the overall level of growth proposed. We questioned the need for 23,000 additional houses in South Gloucestershire during the period up to 2026. We pointed out that some of our newer communities (such as Bradley Stoke) already have social infrastructure deficits (congested roads; shortage of local school places; lack of shopping facilities; community facilities etc) and if the rate of growth per annum is doubled it is hard to see how the accompanying infrastructure will keep pace and this will bring economic and social problems. We noted that despite the proposed level of growth, the only acute hospital in South Gloucestershire (Frenchay Hospital) is to be closed and a new hospital built in Bristol.

In particular, S Glos CPRE had serious concerns about the ability to develop 8000 houses in the area of Emersons Green and Harry Stoke without encroaching on the Green Belt. The Green Belt south of the M4 plays an important role in separating communities and we are very concerned that the rural character and distinctiveness of villages such as Pucklechurch will be damaged if urban extensions are allowed to extend into the Green Belt.

As the majority of additional housing is proposed to be accommodated south of the M4 we believe that it is vital to protect the existing communities and to avoid coalescence – the character of our historic villages must be preserved and they must remain as distinct settlements.