The Future for Bath and North East Somerset

Context

Bath and North East Somerset is on the threshold of significant and far-reaching changes which will affect the lives of everyone who lives or works in the area.

Major regeneration and development is due to be delivered in Bath, Keynsham and Radstock over the next few years. Furthermore, over the next twenty years the national and regional growth agendas (see link to Regional Spatial Strategy below) will result in a step-change in employment and housing growth. At the same time, the Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of its planning policy framework.

www.southwest-ra.gov.uk/nqcontent.cfm?a_id=836

The purpose of the vision

These changes must be guided by a place-shaping vision and set of values to ensure that growth and redevelopment contribute to the Council's overarching Vision for Bath and North East Somerset as a distinctive place, with vibrant and sustainable communities where everyone fulfils their potential.

The Local Strategic Partnership's Community Strategy for Bath and North East Somerset establishes a series of 'shared ambitions' and 'improvement ambitions' which provide a highly relevant framework of values for the future of the district.

More details on the Community Strategy, including the Local Area Agreement, can be found by following the link below.

http://communities.beintouch.org.uk

The Future for Bath and North East Somerset comprises a series of place-focused visions for the revitalisation and growth of the district and, in particular, the main urban centres of Bath, Midsomer Norton and Radstock, and Keynsham. It seeks to realise a number of the ambitions of the Community Strategy and to provide a direct response to the Economic Development and Enterprise section of the Local Area Agreement.

Although the Future for Bath and North East Somerset focuses primarily on economic development and physical regeneration, it also aims to be a catalyst for cultural and social regeneration.

The spatial objectives and aspirations of the vision work will be tested through the preparation of the emerging Core Strategy. This strategic planning document will provide the planning policy framework for development and for protecting the environment up to 2026. As well as looking at options for accommodating future growth within the main urban centres, this will also consider urban extensions at Bath and Bristol.

Some elements of the vision work can be implemented under the existing Local Plan while other parts are not reliant on the planning system.

Some of the specific proposals for development and regeneration described in the visions will be carried forward as part of the Site Allocation Development Plan Document, the sister document to the Core Strategy.

The Community Strategy and Future for Bath and North East Somerset Visions will be key drivers in shaping the development of new planning policy through the Local Development Framework process.

The vision work has highlighted some of the challenges facing Bath and North East Somerset and outlines options for managed growth in a way that enhances the city and district's distinctive heritage, character and identity.

Challenges include:

• A shortage of affordable housing
• A relatively low-wage economy
• A narrow economic base
• A lack of modern workspace
• Declining retail status
• Falling visitor numbers
• Traffic congestion
• The need to tackle the causes and effects of climate change

Developing a sustainable future

Protecting the built and natural environment while developing a strong, sustainable economy is an essential element of the proposed visions for the future of Bath and the communities of North East Somerset.

Objectives the Council is considering to develop a more sustainable future include:

• Tackling the causes and effects of climate change
• Promoting the district as an exemplar for sustainability
• Taking the lead on sustainable energy and the development of a low-carbon economy
• Encouraging local sourcing and production of materials and food
• Developing a sustainable local transport, movement and access strategy
• Developing a more sustainable approach to the area’s tourism
• Encouraging local skills in sustainable construction, energy efficiency measures and renewable energy systems installation
• Continuing and building on the Council's successful waste policy and award-winning achievements in recycling (Beacon Council status)

See also the Council's Position statement on environmental sustainability

Committed to equal opportunities

Bath & North East Somerset Council is committed to equality of opportunity for everyone and believes that the diversity of the local community is a major strength that contributes to the social and economic prosperity of the area.