Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan
Deposit Draft January 2002

A1. Introduction

Why the Local Plan is being prepared

A1.1 Land-use planning is essentially about quality of life. The planning system influences where people work, how they live and travel, where they shop, what economic activities flourish and the quality of the environment. Planning permission is generally needed to build something or change the use of land. The Local Plan seeks to improve our quality of life. It sets out policies for the use of land in the public interest, enabling development whilst protecting the environment. In deciding whether planning permission should be granted, the Local Plan is the single most important consideration.

A1.2 The Local Plan will shape the way the District will develop over the next 10 years, but it is not prepared in isolation. The Joint Replacement Structure Plan (JRSP, see para A2.11 below) sets out the overall planning framework including the broad location of new development for the 1996 – 2011 period. However, the details about where new development should take place in Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) are decided through the preparation of the Local Plan.

A1.3 The Local Plan will also help protect and enhance the character of places that are locally valued and identify areas which would benefit from improvement. It is the vehicle for communities to pursue locally needed development such as affordable homes, better cycling facilities or a meeting hall. It also provides the opportunity to identify and conserve what local communities think is important in the area, such as a landscape feature or open space. Assessing community needs will also help to identify social concerns and encourage everyone to benefit. The Plan also incorporates policies on minerals and waste.

A1.4 The Local Plan should establish a robust policy framework to provide clarity for all those involved in the development process. At the same time, it should be sufficiently flexible so that unforeseen proposals can be considered.

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A chance to be involved and have your say

A1.5 Consultation on an Issues Report in 1999 has contributed to the emerging policy framework. The Local Plan has reached a key stage in its preparation with the publication of the Deposit Draft. The Local Plan covers the period from 1st April 1996 to 31st March 2011. The timetable and process for preparation is indicated in Quick Guide 1.

A1.6 This is the most important opportunity to comment on the Local Plan's policies and proposals. By commenting on the Deposit Draft Local Plan, you will have the chance to influence the nature and location of development in the District over the next 10 years and beyond.

A1.7 If you have representations (comments of support or objection), they must be made within the six week period as required by Regulation. Please see the accompanying Representation Form which sets out when and how to make comments on the Deposit Draft.

A1.8 The Council will consider representations made and try to resolve as many as possible. There will be a further opportunity to comment on revisions to the Plan when a Revised Deposit Draft Plan is published.

A1.9 If you have any queries, please contact;

Keith Goodred
Planning Policy
Trimbridge House
Trim Street
Bath
BA1 2DP

Tel: 01225 477548

e.mail - anne_vowles@bathnes.gov.uk 

A1.10 As well as your views, the Local Plan takes account of Government Guidance, the Joint Replacement Structure Plan, the Council's Local Transport Plan and the strategies of the Council and other organisations (see Chapter A2 - the Policy Context).

A1.11 The Local Plan also has an important role in the delivery of other Council strategies for example through the provision of affordable housing, identifying land for schools or safeguarding land for employment.

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How to use this Plan

A1.12 The Local Plan consists of a Written Statement and a Proposals Map. The Written Statement contains policies to guide development and use of land. These are distinguished from other text in bold italic type, each with its own reference number. They are preceded by a Reasoned Justification.

A1.13 Allocations and designations are shown on the Proposals Map which is divided into three sections. Insets cover more detailed areas at a larger scale.

A1.14 The Local Plan should be read as a whole. Some polices are specific to an issue whilst others are more general in their application. There are therefore usually a number of policies relevant to any one proposal. Cross references are provided but are meant for guidance only. Where more detail is needed for specific sites or topics than that provided in the Local Plan, supplementary planning guidance (SPG) will be prepared. These will be available for the public to comment on (see A4.16-A4.20).

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Bath & North East Somerset - A Description

A1.15 Bath & North East Somerset came into existence on 1st April 1996 combining the former Bath and Wansdyke District areas, becoming a Unitary Authority. Diagram 2 shows the extent of the District which covers 35,112 ha and extends some 36 km east to west and 17 km north to south. Diagram 1 shows the District's location within the sub-region.

A1.16 Its geographical position between the Cotswold and Mendip Hills gives it a diverse and complex character. It is drained primarily by the River Avon, the main tributaries of which are the River Chew, the Cam Brook and the Wellow Brook. The highest points are at Lansdown Hill to the north of Bath and on the northern slopes of the Mendip Hills overlooking Chew Valley Lake.

A1.17 The population of the District has been slowly but steadily growing and it is estimated to stand at around 167,900 in 2001. About half the population live in the historic city of Bath with the other main centres of population being Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Radstock. There are numerous villages and hamlets spread across 47 rural parishes which accommodate a substantial rural population.

A1.18 The City of Bath is one of the finest in the world and was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1987. It is a university city, a regional shopping centre, an international tourist attraction and offers major opportunities for work, recreation and training. Its Hot Springs are the only ones in Britain and have been used as a focal point for worship, therapy and recreation for more than 2,000 years. It is well served by railway services to London, Bristol, Cardiff and Southampton. Local buses and Park & Ride schemes provide access around the City

A1.19 The character of Bath reflects the history of the City’s growth, most significant being the distinctive Georgian period of the Eighteenth Century, the rapid pace of Victorian development and post war development. Since the 1960s, the Green Belt has limited outward growth. The City has 5,000 listed buildings such as the Royal Crescent and the Conservation Area covers two thirds of the City. Within the City, there are great opportunities for renewal and redevelopment.

A1.20 Some 20,000 people live in Midsomer Norton and Radstock in the south of the District. Together these two towns are referred to as Norton-Radstock reflecting their former Urban District Council status. These towns lie at the centre of the former Somerset Coalfield and the rich legacy of the coal mining industry has considerably influenced local character. Many of the spoil heaps have been transformed with remoulding and vegetation growth and are distinctive local landscape features. The former railway lines provide existing and potential recreational routes.

A1.21 There have been more new houses built than new jobs provided in recent years and only about half the resident workforce find employment in this part of the District. Both Midsomer Norton and Radstock provide a range of facilities for local people and those in adjoining areas including the large villages of Paulton and Peasedown St John.

A1.22 In Keynsham, the remains of the abbey and parish church which dates back to the thirteenth century indicate the town's long history. However, the town is overwhelmingly influenced by the twentieth century following the building of Fry’s chocolate factory in 1922 and the provision of post-war "overspill" housing for Bristol. Designation of the Bristol/Bath Green Belt in 1966 has influenced the growth of the town.

A1.23 The town has good communications, being located on the main transport corridor between Bath and Bristol, and close to the Avon Ring Road. Keynsham has a population of around 16,000 people and is an important retail and service centre and whilst close to the city of Bristol it still has its distinctive historic roots.

A1.24 Rural Areas: The rural landscape of the District is striking and diverse. Around a quarter of the rural areas lie within designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The attractive character of no fewer than 30 of the villages is recognised by Conservation Area status. Strung along the foothills of the Mendips are the villages of Ubley, Compton Martin and East and West Harptree. To the north of the Mendips is the undulating valley of the River Chew within which lie Chew Valley and Blagdon Lakes and a network of small villages. The largest of these is the historic village of Chew Magna which acts as a community focus for villages and hamlets.

A1.25 The east of the District is dominated by the southern thrust of the Cotswold Hills where the Oolitic limestone has strongly influenced the topography, the landscape and the built environment. Many of the villages, such as Freshford, Kelston and Hinton Charterhouse, are conservation areas. The three villages of Bathampton, Batheaston and Bathford lie to the east of Bath close to the River Avon and the Kennet and Avon Canal. Whilst they lie in close proximity to Bath and each other, they retain their own identity.

A1.26 Former coal mining in the south of the district has left a network of villages and hamlets within the attractive ridge and valley landscape. The white/blue Lias limestone has been used as a distinctive local building material evident in the coal miners terraces in villages such as High Littleton, Paulton and Timsbury. Peasedown St. John has experienced significant growth in the last decade to become the largest village in the district with a population of over 5,000.

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