Options to deliver future developments including new homes and jobs across Bath and North East Somerset are to be discussed by B&NES Council’s cabinet later this month.
Image courtesy of B&NES Council
It’s the latest stage in the creation of a new Local Plan for the district, which once adopted will form the basis for determining planning applications until 2036.
A range of options for the new planning framework are being laid out covering local planning matters from the provision of affordable homes and the identification of new housing and employment sites to the development of wind energy, provision of electric vehicle infrastructure and the siting of fast food takeaways.
Residents and stakeholders will be asked for their views on the options to revise the existing planning policy framework for Bath and North East Somerset, and comments received will then be used to inform the preparation of a draft plan due to be published in 2019.
Some of the key options being considered in a report before cabinet which meets on 31st October are:
- Creation of a new ‘Garden Community’ in North Keynsham delivering 1,500 new homes, including affordable homes.
- Creation of a new settlement to the South East of Whitchurch, to deliver new homes and jobs.
- Introduction of restrictions on new student accommodation, requiring all new developments to be provided on campus.
- Relocation of Bath’s Household Reuse and Recycling facility to Odd Down.
- Construction of a new Link Road connecting the A4175 to the north of Keynsham with the A4 Bath Road to the east of Keynsham to help relieve congestion in the town centre.
- Expansion of the employment land allocation and broadening the mix of uses, both to enable the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone.
- The introduction of new restrictions on the location of fast food takeaways to prevent them from opening near schools and youth facilities.
- A review of parking standards and provision for electric vehicles infrastructure.
- Review of the policy approach for the regeneration of areas of social housing.
- The proposed Clean Air Zone in Bath and its relationship with Bath Transport Strategy including additional park & ride provision.
The council says its approach to development viability and land value is rigorous so that their objectives are realised.
Cabinet members will also consider a report on Strategic Transport Options to ensure that infrastructure like new roads are aligned with any proposed new growth.
Councillor Bob Goodman, Cabinet member for Development and Neighbourhoods , said “We want to develop a Local Plan that addresses our future housing and economic needs, while respecting and protecting our beautiful environment.
“Many of the options we’re discussing are ambitious, but also address concerns raised by residents.
“This plan will shape the future of Bath and North East Somerset for the next two decades so it’s really important that it works for all our communities.
“We’ve asked residents for their views at every stage of its development and once Cabinet has discussed the options we’ll be consulting again.”
The updated Local Plan is being prepared in response to new national policy and legislation and to ensure delivery of the West of England Joint Spatial Plan (JSP).
The JSP establishes the strategic decisions on the amount of housing and economic growth that needs to be planned for and where it should be accommodated across the region.
Alongside the Joint Spatial Plan, the four West of England authorities have prepared a Joint Transport Study to identify key transport infrastructure measures required to support the growth.
