Priston Parish Council has submitted a Village Design Statement (VDS) to Bath and North East Somerset Council for consideration as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Within Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) there are a wide range of buildings, structures and landscape features that provide a valuable contribution to the local character and distinctiveness of the area. These features are termed “non-designated heritage assets” or “locally listed heritage assets”. 

In May 2013, national permitted development rights were amended to allow the change of use of offices (Class B1(a) use) to residential (Class C3 use) to be assessed through a ‘prior approval’ process rather than through the normal planning permission process.  This means that a Council is only be able to consider a narrow range of specified issues when deciding whether to allow such a change of use. These issues do not include the contribution that the office plays to the local or to the wider economy, or to the character of the area.

Our current Street Trading Policy was published in 2014.  Many things have changed over the last four years so we want to review the policy to ensure that street trading continues to deliver our stated ambitions, or indeed test that these are still appropriate.  We would also like to take this opportunity to explore the future, especially with respect to the development of markets that have the potential to increase the vibrancy of our streets, towns and city, supporting local businesses whilst adding choice and diversity for residents and visitors.