Opposition Groups in Bath and North East Somerset are under fire over the planned South Stoke development following the adoption of the Core Strategy at a Council meeting last night.
The Core Strategy was adopted by 40 votes to 21, with Councillors from all parties voting in favour of the strategy.
However a number of Liberal Democrat Councillors felt unable to do so, due to the inclusion of development on land at the South Stoke Plateau.
Councillor Nigel Roberts (Odd Down) commented: “South Stoke Plateau would not have been included in the Core Strategy were it not for the actions of opposition Councillors in September 2011.
“Back in 2011 the Council considered the original draft Core Strategy. At this stage, there were no proposals for development of the green belt surrounding Bath. However there was a proposal for land at Hick’s Gate near Keynsham to be set aside for a new community; the land would only be released in the unlikely event of housing targets not being met.
“Despite these safeguards, and against legal advice, the Conservative, Labour and Independent Groups voted to remove this land from the Core Strategy. This vote has led us to the situation where the Government Inspector dictated that the land at South Stoke was to be included instead.
“Although, I support the need for a Core Strategy to prevent uncontrolled development and the need for 13000 houses, I could not vote in favour tonight due to the inclusion of land designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty and greenbelt.
“I am disgusted we are left in this position because opposition Councillors decided to play political games, rather than do what was best for residents.”
