The Future for Keynsham

The Future for Keynsham Vision is one part of the Vision for the Future of Bath and North East Somerset, which itself is one of the key inputs into the preparation of the Spatial Vision for the district which will be laid out in the Core Strategy.

The Visions’ work will influence policy options considered in the preparation of the Core Strategy. In addition, some of the specific proposals for development and regeneration described in the Visions may be carried forward as part of the Site Allocation Development Plan Document.

A number of elements of the Visions will not be implemented through the planning system and will need to be taken forward via other means, for example by the management and maintenance of the public realm, cultural activities and encouraging the voluntary sector.

The Future for Keynsham Vision proposes to bring a positive direction for the long-term future of the town, which will assure Keynsham's role as independent, sustainable and a great place to live and work.

Crucially, it is about developing confidence in the town's future - in encouraging investment and promoting a sense of well-being in the community. The focus is not just on development, but also on the community and the way that everyone can work together to promote a better quality of life.

Keynsham occupies a strategic location between Bath and Bristol. It is a proud and independent town. Keynsham was historically important in Roman and Saxon times, a busy market town in the Victorian and Edwardian periods and the site of the influential chocolate manufacturers Fry's, in the 1920s. The town could be said to have been 'coasting' since the 1970s. Meanwhile physical development outside the town, especially in Bristol, has changed the environment within which Keynsham operates.

The Vision proposals aim to help Keynsham catch up economically and improve and enhance its built environment.

A number of opportunities and challenges now face Keynsham. These cannot be ignored. If there is no change within the next twenty years the town's recovery will suffer further. In fact, there is now a great opportunity to:

  • Enhance the town with physical development
  • Improve the economy through development
  • Make Keynsham ready for the future
  • Help Keynsham to capitalise on its location
  • Help Keynsham to remain proud and independent

How to have your say

This website is part of a community engagement exercise on the Visions and is closely tied into the ongoing Core Strategy work on planning policy for the next twenty years.

The consultation runs until 17 December, 2007, after which all responses will be considered and incorporated into any recommendations that are made to the Council and will form part of the decision-making process.

Members of the public and interested stakeholders are encouraged to use this opportunity to make their views on the proposals known.

This can be done in any of the following ways:

  • Fill in the online questionnaire for Keynsham using this link and then choose 'Respond to the consultation'.
  • Email us at future@bathnes.gov.uk
  • Write to us at Future Vision, Bath & North East Somerset Council, Development and Major Projects, 10 Palace Yard Mews, Bath BA1 2NH
  • Telephone us at 01225 477696
  • Pick up a leaflet from local libraries, doctors and dentists' surgeries, and council offices in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton and take part in the advertised surveys and questionnaires
  • Go along to public meetings and information workshops as advertised in the local press and at council offices
  • Speak to the relevant B&NES Council officers or your ward councillors
Keynsham church
Keynsham town sign
Medieval stone carving from Keynsham