The planning application for for the £34 million redevelopment of Keynsham town centre has been submitted. Following the Council reaching this significant milestone, local people may now give their comments about the application from today until April 9th 2012.
The application contains proposals for 20,000 square feet of new modern retail and restaurant space, a new civic building with One Stop Shop and new library, meeting and performance space for community use, new low carbon Council office space, and new streets and spaces for markets and events, amongst other aspects.
Councillor David Bellotti (Lib-Dem, Lyncombe), Cabinet Member for Community Resources, said, “This is a truly dynamic and exciting scheme that will completely transform the town. Bath & North East Somerset Council has been listening to local people about what they want to see and many comments are now reflected in the final planning application. Subject to planning permission, the Council is looking forwards toward delivering this project successfully and improving the heart of the Keynsham community.”
Gill Hellier, Chair of Keynsham Town Council, said, “After months of consultation we’re pleased that the project is taking another step forward by submitting the planning application. I encourage the community to take a look at the proposals and comment on the scheme. Keynsham Town Council is holding a special meeting to discuss the application on Thursday 29th March at 7.30pm at Carpenter’s Lane Meeting Room- all Keynsham residents are welcome to attend.”
Now have your say…
A fly-through of the plans, small scale model, and a summary of the application is available at Keynsham Library, when open. People can view the planning application and submit their comments via http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/keynshamregen.
Although hundreds of people have already viewed the plans for the scheme and given their feedback at a wide range of events, the planning application is a separate exercise. People will need to give any comments they have about the proposals even if they have done so already. The application will be considered by the Council’s Development Control Committee later in the year.
An economic boost for local people
The regeneration of the town centre will help attract private sector investment in the town and help create new opportunities, jobs, and greater prosperity for residents. Councillor Cherry Beath (Lib-Dem, Combe Down), Cabinet Member for Sustainable Development, said, “It is one part of an overall regeneration strategy which includes a £50 million private sector investment in Somerdale by Taylor Wimpey and redevelopment of the Riverside building.
“The future of Keynsham is very promising with unprecedented levels of public and private sector investment being channelled into the town, that will build a stronger economy, promote local business and support jobs.”
The regeneration also plays a much wider part of the Council’s efforts to become even more financially efficient as it reduces the office space it needs from 12 buildings to 4 to make savings for the local taxpayer.
