Objections have been pouring in after Taylor Wimpey submitted a planning application for up to 105 homes on the outskirts of Keynsham.
The land earmarked for development by Taylor Wimpey
The developer says the site on the eastern edge of the town, next to Manor Road Community Woodland, is a “logical and sustainable extension to the existing settlement”.
It says Parcel 5325 is considered to be “Grey Belt”, as confirmed in a pre-application response from Bath & North East Somerset Council, which establishes a “clear policy route for the determination of this application”.
Designating land as Grey Belt allows development in less significant areas of the Green Belt to help meet housing targets. The site has been promoted for residential development through the emerging B&NES Local Plan.
Taylor Wimpey’s outline planning application includes 45% on-site affordable housing, a new vehicular and pedestrian access on to Manor Road, public open space, tree planting and habitat creation, as well as site drainage and infrastructure.
Signs objecting to the proposals have been erected and as of this week, more than 40 objections had been posted on the council’s planning portal, along with one of support.
Ward councillor Andy Wait (Keynsham East, Liberal Democrat) has already asked for the application to be called in to be determined by the planning committee.
He has voiced concern about overdevelopment and that existing residential roads are being expected to cope with yet more traffic.
He described the access to the field as “bizarre and dangerous”, adding: “A site visit is needed to see how the traffic has burrowed into the banks along that road as cars attempt to pass each other on an extremely narrow road.”
Councillor Wait said “the strongest objection of all is the existence of a rich natural diversity of wildlife in that field” with three sides of it adjoining Manor Road Community Woodland.
Independent councillor Alan Hale, who represents Keynsham South, said: “This development is as far from a main road as it could probably be, and as such, many unsuitable roads will be blighted by the passage of HGVs for a considerable time.”
He added: “The Manor Road playing field is a recreational area much used by families and children who currently only have to consider a normal weight of traffic, rather than a succession of HGVs back and forth. There is a road safety hazard in this.”
Councillor Hale said Manor Road, at the point of the proposed development, is a “narrow country lane” used as a route to school. “This additional demand for road space will become a road safety hazard because there is frequently pedestrian traffic and pedal cycles as part of the school commute.”
Other objectors have highlighted that building on this parcel would add to the already growing urban sprawl, with one commenting that the proposals would “intensify the already damaging pattern of uncontrolled expansion that is eroding the character, safety and environmental quality of both Keynsham and Saltford”.
Another has highlighted “significant drainage issues” on the nearby Hygge Park development (which was built by Crest Nicholson and Curo) and says that due to the natural topography of the land, the drainage from the proposed Manor Road development would flow into Hygge Park, compounding the issue.
The supporter said: “There be lots that don’t support new housing in Keynsham; as a born resident of Keynsham, on Homesearch facing long waits with several hundred others also waiting, then I will always support any development offering social/affordable rents.
“It’s better than nothing, people shouldn’t be forced out of their hometown. Providing the developers make sure infrastructure in place and cater for the community and council, etc., then I fully support it.”
Taylor Wimpey recently secured permission to build 70 homes at Minsmere Road, while Curo is building more than 200 homes at nearby Withies Green.
B&NES Council is meanwhile currently considering a controversial planning application for up to 200 homes on a site covering more than nine hectares of land off Charlton Road in Keynsham, with a decision expected in mid-June.
The plans have been submitted by Persimmon Homes Severn Valley, Dr Richard Harries Jones and Christopher J R Williams, and are described as a “logical and sustainable extension to Keynsham”.
The proposed development would provide 45% affordable housing. The scheme includes provision of some commercial/business floorspace.
The Manor Road planning reference is 26/01208/OUT and consultation ends on 8th May.
