Top priorities for the area including quality homes at an affordable price, nature and green spaces and sustainable transport have been highlighted in a recent survey.
The Future of the Region survey, run by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), asked nine questions about the priorities for the region’s emerging Spatial Development Strategy (SDS) and included a range of social, environmental and economic issues.
It highlighted opportunities for the strategy to contribute to its objective of clean, inclusive recovery and growth for the West of England.
In general, the survey results demonstrated high levels of support across the priorities and principles of the strategy.
The responses in the survey help to provide a greater understanding of the things that are most important to people who live and work in the area.
The top themes that repeat throughout the survey responses were:
- The provision of quality homes that are affordable (relative to local incomes) is seen as a key priority for the region.
- The importance of providing space for wildlife and nature is rated very highly by respondents. Access to nature and green space is also a key concern.
- There are high levels of support for activity to address and prioritise responding to the climate emergency.
- A high-quality sustainable transport network is viewed as key to delivering a successful spatial strategy.
West of England Mayor Tim Bowles said: “I want us to see sustainable development and a clean, inclusive recovery and growth for the region.
“The Future of the Region survey findings will help make sure we do that and ensure the views of our residents form part of this important work.
“With this feedback, we can make sure we identify the most suitable, broad locations for development and investment and understand the opportunities, challenges and issues for our communities and how we can address them.”
The Future of the Region survey was carried out between 3rd November and 14th December 2020.
A total of 1,329 individuals and organisations took part to share their views.
The survey was an informal engagement exercise and the responses were the first step in developing a draft of the SDS, alongside evidence and studies.
The strategy and supporting evidence is being developed based on national policy, technical assessments and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders, alongside consideration of the outputs of this engagement.
Once the draft SDS is prepared later in 2021, it will be subject to further engagement and a full statutory consultation for 12 weeks, providing an opportunity to formally comment on the proposed plan.
Councillor Tim Ball, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet member for Housing, Planning and Economic Development, said: “These results are an important step forward in developing our region to meet the long-term needs of our communities.
“They will also help inform our own Local Plan for Bath and North East Somerset which will be prepared alongside the Spatial Development Strategy.
“It’s pleasing to see that sustainable transport is a top priority for many residents, as this is going to be key in tackling the climate emergency.”
To see the results of the Future of the Region Survey, visit http://bit.ly/SDSengagement.
