Planning Update from BERA
Planning update from BERA:
19th February You may or may not know, but BANES is updating the Local Plan and the first phase of consultation has started. Bearing in mind the impact that planning can have on our community, can I encourage you please to have a look at what is being proposed. (The detailed info can be seen below in the email BERA recently received from the council.) BERA will also review the Local Plan Options document and will formally comment on it prior this phase of consultation ending on the 8th April. If there is anything you feel strongly about, please do let us know, but also remember that you could, and should, make comment as a resident if you feel strongly about anything. The more we participate in the consultation process, as individuals and through community groups like BERA, the more we will be heard. Additionally, I would like to update you on the status of the planning application for a 3 bedroom house on the garden site behind 53 Rockliffe Road. As you are aware, BERA has opposed the multiple iterations of this application over the years. On behalf of BERA, and in coordination with a representative of the immediate neighbours, I made a representation to the planning committee last week. Manda Rigby also spoke powerfully in opposition to the application, and the committee unanimously agreed with her and our other ward councillor, Toby Simon (who sits on the committee) that a site visit was necessary prior to making a decision. The visit is likely to go ahead in early to Mid March, and the application will be brought back in front of the Committee soon thereafter. BERA will be making further representation at this Committee meeting too, as will Manda. We will keep you posted. As far as the New Sydney Place Trial is concerned, I am in contact with the Liveable Neighbours Team and will give you an update on the consultation process in the near future. If we have learned anything from our experience with this, it is that we all need to be more actively engaged in the local consultations and in the planning processes that follow them. Please do have a look at the Local Plan Options as outlined below. Many thanks Mark Thurstain The email from the Council: Dear Consultee We are writing to inform you about the commencement of the next stage of consultation on our Local Plan and future development in Bath and North East Somerset. The Local Plan Options document, recently approved by the Cabinet on 1st February, marks a crucial step in shaping the future of our district. We value your input and invite you to participate in the eight-week consultation, which will run from 12th February to 8th April. Options for addressing our future development needs, including the delivery of new homes and jobs across Bath and North East Somerset, as well as policies addressing a range of issues including the climate and ecological emergencies, are presented for your consideration and comment. These options align with the council’s Corporate Strategy and Economic Strategy, aiming for a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable economy. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposed options by responding to an interactive version of the Local Plan online at https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/localplanoptions, as well as taking part in a series of in-person events. Representations can be made through the Council website or by post to Planning Policy, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Lewis House, Bath, BA1 1JG. Please note that we will not be accepting representations sent by email. Find out more Videos on the council website will give step-by-step guidance on ‘How to Comment on the Local Plan’ and explain ‘What is a Local Plan’ as well as outlining how the various options would help to deliver the council’s priorities on housing, the climate emergency and sustainable transport. A second set of videos discuss specific locations identified in the Options report, as alternatives or options for potential development. A series of drop-in sessions where people can discuss the options with council officers have been arranged at the following locations:
Printed copies of the plan are available at Bath Central Library; Keynsham Library; Midsomer Norton Library; Bath Housing, Welfare and Advice Services and community libraries. Consultation dates The consultation opens today (12 February) and runs for eight weeks until 8 April. You are encouraged to respond online on the council website: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/localplanoptions Next steps Following the consultation, the issues raised in all comments and feedback will be carefully considered, and a Draft Local Plan will be produced, which will be subject to further consultation. The Draft Local Plan and comments received on it will then be submitted to the Secretary of State and examined by an independent planning inspector in 2025. If approved, it will be adopted by the council. For more information about the development of the new Local Plan please visit the council’s website. We appreciate your engagement in this important process and look forward to receiving your valuable input. Yours faithfully, Richard Daone Deputy Head of Planning (Policy) Bath & North East Somerset Council [email protected] |