Local Plan - List of Revisions

B3.5

B3.5/A

110/B9 (They …)

Community services include a wide range of facilities crucial for the well being of the residents of Bath & North East Somerset. Provision includes community meeting places, youth centres, education facilities at schools and colleges, health care provided at hospitals, clinics and surgeries, libraries, places of worship, and venues for community arts, and services delivered by post offices and some shops. They also include allotments and cemeteries, together with sports and recreation facilities (dealt with in the Sports and Recreation Chapter – B4). Community services are provided by a range of public, private and voluntary organisations.

B3.9

B3.9/A

Editorial

The Council's Social Services function is based at offices in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton. The service is responsible for a number of specialist areas including safeguarding and promoting the welfare of disabled and vulnerable adults, children and the elderly through a range of provision including community and day care, residential homes, family support, home and nursing care. Paras B3.69-B3.71 B3.72-B3.73 and Policy CF.5 CF.6 deal more specifically with Community Care provision.

now B3.20

B3.20/A

Editorial

Bath is fortunate in having a variety of community meeting places available to serve the needs of different geographical areas of the City and immediate surrounding areas. Accommodation ranges from small church rooms, community halls and the use of some schools to the larger more central venues such as the Pavilion and the Forum that serve a much wider area as well as the residents of Bath. The local authority Youth Centres also contribute to the provision of meeting places in Bath (see paras B3.20-B3.23 B3.29-B3.32).

now B3.27

B3.27/A

Editorial to provide update

Investigations continue to find alternative provision to replace The former Oriel Hall, Upper Swainswick that was demolished when the Batheaston Bypass was built. Permission was granted in 2001 for a replacement hall A suitable site is likely to be sought in the Larkhall area of Bath.

now B3.32

B3.32/A

Editorial to provide update

The Council's Community Safety Action Plan includes a proposal to support the development of youth shelters and associated facilities as one means of reducing nuisance and disorder. The grounds of the Youth Centre at Peasedown St John has been identified as a suitable location for both a youth shelter and a skateboard facility. A youth shelter has now been installed.

now B3.34

B3.34/A

Editorial

The Council will continue to monitor the provision of all types of community meeting places and respond positively where there is an acknowledged shortfall, where possible identifying suitable sites. The availability of bus services will be an important aspect of the monitoring process. Planning permission for new, extensions to or replacement community facilities will be determined against the criteria set out in Policy CF.4 CF.2.

now B3.41

B3.41/A

578/B46

Similarly there is no middle-scale venue (350 – 650) seats for contemporary performing arts, especially dance, and lack of a centre for Cultural Cinema;. Facilities at the emerging Old Bakery Community Arts Centre in Radstock include artists studios and exhibition space, but and no appropriate multi-professional arts facilities in Norton-Radstock and Keynsham are otherwise limited.

now B3.42

B3.42/A

Editorial change

These shortfalls in provision as outlined above are identified in the Council’s Arts Strategy which encourages their development and provision. Development proposals for new and replacement arts facilities or enhancement of existing facilities will be considered in the context of Policy CF.4 CF.2 above or Policy SR.7 if the proposal relates to commercial leisure development.

now B3.43

B3.43/A

Editorial change

Places of Worship provide an important focal point for the local community and a base for a range of other local activities. Although a number of churches and chapels have closed for worship in recent decades, some denominations have experienced an upsurge in congregation sizes leading to alternative venues being sought to better meet their requirements. The Council will support such provision providing it is sensitively located so as not to be detrimental to residential amenity and should meet the other criteria in Policy CF.4 CF.2 and other relevant policies in the Plan.

Para B3.36 now B3.45

B3.45/A

Editorial to provide update

A Library Vision has been agreed by the Executive Member (March 2003) which aims to improve and extend library facilities throughout the authority, and build on the Department for Culture Media and Sport's plans for Libraries as outlined in their document "Framework for the Future". Our Vision is to ensure a balanced provision of services in line with local population size and need, particularly supporting areas with an identified and unmet need. Therefore future developments with an impact on demographics will have to be taken into account. Libraries will work in partnership wherever possible to deliver services, and are looking for co-location opportunities in all areas.

now B3.46

B3.46/A

Editorial change

Any proposals to relocate or replace a library or for any other improvements to existing provision will be supported. Planning applications will be considered within the context of Policies CF.1 and CF.4 CF.2, as appropriate.

now B3.12

B3.12/A

2310/B12, 2448/B1, 3146/B2, 2310/B3, 5005/B2, 5001/B97

When considering planning applications involving the loss or change of use of buildings in community use, it is crucial to ascertain whether an alternative community use can be found for the land or building(s) concerned. Policy CF.1 seeks to prevent the loss of valuable community facilities. As an exception to this, current Government guidance is advising Councils to consider disposing of any school buildings surplus to requirements. Any loss to the overall community provision, other than education, will be taken into account when considering development proposals involving the loss of education facilities (see also paras B3.50-B3.54).

now B3.47

B3.47/B

Change arising from deletion of Site GDS.1/NR1

Land is allocated at Westfield under Policy CF.4 to meet the known requirements for community facilities where a suitable site has already been identified (see para B3.14 B3.23 above). Community facilities are also proposed as part of the scheme proposed on land south of Charlton Park, Midsomer Norton as set out in Policy GDS.1.

Policy CF.1

CF.1/B

1899/B3, 2310/B3, 2310/B12, 5001/B99

Policy CF.2 now Policy CF.4

CF.4/A

578/B44

0.2 ha 0.83 ha for provision of community uses including community hall and/or recreational facilities, to include open space and equipped play area (NEAP); account to be taken of the site's nature conservation interests.

PM Inset 19

CF.4/B

578/B54

now B3.50

B3.50/A

Editorial

There are currently five special schools in the District with a further six special units attached to mainstream primary and secondary schools. The Council's Education Service is undertaking a review of special education provision in the City of Bath. One outcome of this review may be that a new site is required for a special school. Should the Council’s Education Service identify any need to upgrade or replace the existing provision in order to meet future special educational requirements within the Plan period, then any development proposals will be considered within the context of Policy CF.4 CF.2.

now B3.52

B3.52/A

5001/B34

The Council’s Childcare Audit 2000–2001 has identified various areas of childcare need across the District. Whilst existing local authority schools and nurseries will be able to make up some of the shortfall in provision, the Council will seek contributions for additional provision or enhancement of existing provision in association with new development proposals (see paras B3.72-B3.73 B3.18-B3.19 and Policy CF.6 CF.3).

now B3.53

City of Bath College located in the centre of Bath also provides full and part time further and higher education courses. Similarly, Norton-Radstock College of Further Education provides full and part-time courses in the southern part of the District. The Council’s Education Service is developing a responsible for providing further education in its schools. The service has developed a strategy for the provision of education for 16-19 year olds across the District. The strategy which is likely to lead to a review of existing post-16 education. A possible outcome of this review may mean that additional sites are required or that existing sites are no longer used for post-16 education.

New para B3.53A

B3.53A/A

578/B47, 716/B2

Further (and Higher) education is also provided by the City of Bath College located in the centre of Bath, plus Norton-Radstock College which has branches in Norton-Radstock and Keynsham. Further Education Colleges operate independently of the Council. During the Plan period, it is possible that the Colleges will seek to dispose of surplus accommodation and develop replacement facilities.

now B3.54

B3.54/A

The University of Bath is a purpose built development located on the outskirts of the City. It currently has 7,930 students. Its Campus is also home to the English Institute of Sport (S.W.). Current and fFuture plans for the University include the development of an Institute for Sport, conference facilities, extended academic facilities and further student residences. A Master Plan and Transport Strategy for the site as well as an assessment of the site’s environmental capacity was endorsed by the Council in March 2001.

New para B3.54A

B3.54A/A

Future development as outlined in the Master Plan will not meet the University’s expansion requirements for the whole Local Plan period. Therefore, in order to enable its expansion, the Green Belt boundary is proposed to be changed and land is allocated on the eastern side of the campus for University-related uses under Policy GDS.1. It is also expected that a revised Master Plan should be prepared to facilitate this development.

Para B3.51 now B3.57

B3.57/A

Editorial change

This could result in educational establishments coming forward with proposals to redevelop or expand their facilities. In principle these will be supported provided the proposals conform with Policy CF.4 CF.2 and other relevant policies in the Plan. Depending on the specific nature of the scheme, the Council will encourage the development of facilities that can be made available for wider community use and will seek to prevent the loss of facilities that are already being used for other community activities e.g. for pre-school or meetings.

now B3.60

B3.60/A

Editorial

New buildings for educational purposes should be designed to high standards taking account of the surroundings in which they are to be located. All proposals will need to meet the criteria in Policy CF.4 CF.2 before permission is granted.

now B3.61

B3.61/B

1895/B3, 2314/B2, 5005/B1

The Council’s Education Service has identified the improvements needed to existing primary school provision. Much can be achieved on or within existing sites but for others, additional land will be required. This mainly relates to school building but in some cases, playing field provision is required. Policy CF.3 CF.5 therefore allocates land for this purpose where such a need has been identified. However, it is acknowledged that particularly in Bath, there is a shortage of land for development. Should a site that is not allocated in Policy CF.5 come forward for the development of educational facilities, it will be assessed under Policy CF.2, together with other relevant Policies in the Plan.

now B3.62

B3.62/A

The Council’s Education Service has undertaken a review of primary school provision in the Radstock area. The Education Committee has decided to replace Radstock Infant School and Clandown CE Primary School with a new school in, to be built on an identified site to the north of Woodborough Lane, Radstock. Investigations into identifying an appropriate site are underway. The Council has also decided to merge St. Nicholas CE Infant School and St. Nicholas CE Junior School creating a new primary school on the current St. Nicholas Junior School site.

New para B3.62A

B3.62A/A

A need for a playing field to serve St Mary’s Primary School in Bathwick has been identified by the Council, but there are currently no suitable sites to locate such a facility. However, should a site for a school playing field come forward it can be considered against Policy CF.2 and other relevant Local Plan policies.

New para B3.62B

B3.62B/A

3250/B1

A new primary school is required in association with the redevelopment of Western Riverside. Policy GDS.1 (general site requirements, section B) requires that such provision is made. The requirement is also amplified in the Western Riverside SPG.

Policy CF.3 now Policy CF.5

CF.5/D

3259/B1

PM Inset 19

CF.5/E

Designate site at Woodborough Lane, Radstock for development of a new primary school.

now B3.63

B3.63/A

746/B8, 746/B10

Health provision in the District is the principally the responsibility of the Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust (PCT). The PCT is a statutory body responsible for planning and providing local primary care health services and many of the community services in B&NES Bath & North East Somerset. The PCT operates in partnership with the Council and other Trusts in the area, including the Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Trust, Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust and the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases NHS Trust. There are also numerous other charitable, voluntary and private health care organisations that provide health care in the District.

now B3.64

B3.64/A

2987/B5

The Royal United Hospital (RUH) in Bath serves a catchment area of 500,000 population. Services at the RUH are provided by the RUH Bath NHS Trust. This acute general hospital has an accident and emergency department and 14 surgical theatres. Hospital staff provide out-patient services in eleven community hospitals including Paulton.

now B3.67

B3.67/A

Editorial update

St Martins Hospital provides physical and mental care for the elderly. During the Plan period the hospital intends to transfer some of its services to the Royal United Hospital, consolidating the remaining on part of the existing site. Part of the site is thus allocated for a mixed-use development under Policy GDS.1.

now B3.70

B3.70/A

578/B48

Bath has a comprehensive range of health care services to cater for its inhabitants and beyond. There are four NHS dental clinics in Norton-Radstock and is a health clinic in Keynsham. A dental clinic in Radstock and bBoth towns also have group practice doctor’s surgeries. The rural areas are served by practices in a number of the larger settlements or travel to Bath and the towns. Chemists and dentists are available in the towns and larger villages whilst opticians are represented primarily in Bath, Keynsham and Norton-Radstock.

now B3.71

B3.71/A

Editorial change

As with other community facilities health care facilities are an important local resource and their loss should be resisted unless there is no longer a demonstrable need for the particular facility or service (Policy CF.1). The increase in residential development may put pressure on existing resources and result in the need for additional facilities. With Social Services working more closely with the Health Authority there may be opportunities for the joint use of buildings and sites. Proposals for new health care facilities will be considered under Policy CF.4 CF.2.

now B3.16

B3.16/A

120/B99

Favourable consideration will be given to the land and/or building’s capacity for accommodating more than one use or activity depending on the nature of the proposal and the Council will encourage management agreements that facilitate this.

now B3.17

B3.17/A

Editorial changes

Policy CF.4 CF.2 sets out criteria against which proposals for community facilities will be considered. Any proposals in the Green Belt will be considered in the context of Policies GB.1 and GB.2. Policy CF.5 CF.3 deals with the issue of developer contributions

Policy CF.4 now Policy CF.2

CF.2/A

A. Development of community facilities will be permitted provided they are within or well related to a settlement defined in Policy SC.1, or in the case of existing facilities outside such settlements, they are well related to existing buildings.

 

now B3.75

B3.75/A

2604/B3

In a changing economic climate many pubs may be also able to provide additional community facilities or services such as a cash back facility, and public information and Information Technology (IT) access. In order to The Council is able to exercise some control to ensure a public houses are is not lost to another uses, especially if it is the only one in the settlement or locality. , any pProposals for their redevelopment or change of use will be considered against Policy CF.7.

Policy CF.7

CF.7/A

now B3.76

B3.76/A

578/B51

The nine statutory allotments in Bath, together with those at Haydon Radstock Road in Midsomer Norton, are complemented by other non-statutory allotments scattered throughout the District. Bath, Keynsham and Norton-Radstock currently have the highest concentration of allotments. There are also a few in private ownership.

now B3.79

B3.79/A

120/B100, 686/B81, 1269/B4, 3116/B1, 3123/B1, 3257/B9, 3299/B19

Policy CF.8 sets out the Council's approach to the retention of existing allotments and encourages the provision of new allotment sites should demand increase during the Plan period unless otherwise allowed in the Plan. Development involving the loss of an existing or vacant allotment will only be permitted where its importance outweighs the community value of the site as an allotment. Developers will also be required to provide equivalent replacement allotments on land that is suitable for horticultural use. New and replacement allotments should be in accessible locations (i.e. within 1000 metres of the majority of their potential users).

Policy CF.8

CF.8/B

New or replacement allotments will be permitted provided they are in accessible locations.

PM Inset 31

3235/B1

PM Inset 31

CF.8/D

5001/B180

PM Inset 31

CF.8/E

2324/B3

Designate the Larkhall Allotments under Policy CF.8

PM Inset 31c

CF.8/F

580/B20

Delete western part of the 'Allotment’ designation at Hodshill, South Stoke.

now B3.84

B3.84/A

5014/B2

Investigations suggest the cemeteries at Batheaston, Timsbury and Whitchurch may reach capacity by the end of the Plan period, although the proposed extension to Haycombe cemetery will be able to meet projected needs.