Bath & North East Somerset Council has been shortlisted for a top award at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) South West Awards for Planning Excellence.
Image courtesy of B&NES Council
The regeneration of former railway land in Radstock is one of only eight projects, plans and policies vying for the coveted Excellence in Planning Delivery Award.
The project involved the restoration of the town centre through development of the former railway land, with appropriate housing, retail, heritage and community facilities.
The site, which extends to almost 9 hectares, is part located in the centre of the historic town and for many years was inaccessible as the land was heavily contaminated by previous rail related industries.
Cllr Paul Myers, Cabinet member for Economic and Community Regeneration said: “We’re delighted that this project has been recognised.
“It is a fantastic example of what can be achieved with a strong, collaborative working relationship between the council, developers and the local community.
“It was a complicated project constrained by the contamination, the ecology of the site and its historic importance, but by working together we’ve redirected traffic through the town, delivered a significant number of new homes, many of which are affordable and Radstock now boasts a townscape that compliments its mining heritage.”
Suzanne D’Arcy Chair of RTPI South West said: “The shortlisted entries are a mix of outstanding planning which reflect the really high standards and achievements of the planning profession throughout the South West.
“Given the high calibre of entries this year, the judges will no doubt find it difficult to pick an overall winner.”
The RTPI represents 25,000 planning professionals worldwide and promotes spatial planning, shapes policy and raises professional standards.
The Awards for Planning Excellence have been run by the RTPI South West for over 30 years to recognise planning excellence.
The winner will be announced in November.
