Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan
Revised Deposit 2003

A3 - Vision and strategy

Vision

A3.1   As part of the Local Agenda 21 process in B&NES Bath & North East Somerset, the Council has been working with partners from business, education, the voluntary and public sectors to develop a shared Community Vision for life in 2019 in Bath and North East Somerset.   

A3.2 The Council will play an important part in the implementation of the Vision, and the Local Plan is part of that process in terms of guiding development in the area in a way which contributes to realising the Vision (see Quick Guide 4).

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Balanced Communities

A3.3    The vision takes account of Government guidance, the principles of Sustainable Development, the JRSP requirements, the LA21 Community Vision, the Local Transport Plan and other policies and strategies.  It also aims to deliver the objectives of the Community Strategy (see para A2.5A) and the Council’s Corporate Objectives.  ‘Balanced Communities’ is put forward as the overriding objective for the Local Plan.

A3.4     The objective of Balanced Communities involves means seeking to ensure that everyone within the District has a better quality of life; this is achieved through the availability of good homes with convenient access to jobs and services within a safe, attractive and accessible environment. It is about giving people the opportunity to achieve their potential through education, participation and good health.

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Local Plan Objectives

A3.5 Detailed Local Plan objectives are defined to provide the context for the development of policies. They set out the Council's intentions for the Plan period against which success of policies and proposals can be measured.

A3.6 Issues about where we live, work and shop and how we travel are complex and cannot be easily unravelled. However, to assist in clarifying the Local Plan's objectives, these issues are grouped into four sections : Overall Strategy; Living and Working; Environmental Assets; and Access. This also emphasises the interconnection between these issues and helps in presenting the Local Plan policies and proposals.

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Overall Strategy

A3.7    Because the Plan will determined the future location of development up to 2011 it is important that anyone with an interest in the future pattern and quality of development in B&NES Bath and North East Somerset should participate and help influence its emerging policies.  The Council wishes to involve as many people, communities and organisations as possible in influencing the direction and preparation of the Local Plan.   Key to improving our environment and in securing balanced communities is the quality of design and this is given a high priority in the Plan.

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Living and Working

A3.8 Thriving cities, towns and rural areas are essential in moving towards a more sustainable pattern of development and balanced communities. To achieve this the Government stresses the need to strengthen local economies, meet people's social needs, improve local surroundings and transportation networks, reduce crime and address problems of social exclusion. The Local Plan has an important role to play in achieving these aims and it is an essential part of meeting the Council's Vision.

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Environmental Assets

A3.9    A high quality natural, historic and built environment provides the underlying framework for a high quality of life and contributes to balanced communities. 

 A3.10 Overall the District has a high quality urban environment within an outstanding and substantive extensive rural setting.  The quality is recognised in the many statutorily designated sites including the unique World Heritage Site status for the City of Bath , parts of the Cotswolds and Mendip Hills Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, wildlife sites, scheduled Ancient Monuments , listed buildings and conservation areas.  In addition there is a wide range of sites and areas of local interest and distinctive character.

A3.11 As a community, we have a duty of care to ensure that the integrity of this resource is passed on to future generations. The Local Plan can help to enhance as well as safeguard these intrinsic qualities when we take our decisions about what type of developments to allow and where.

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Transport and Access

A3.12 Our quality of life depends on being able to get about with ease. We need an efficient transportation system to support a prosperous economy and to meet our everyday needs. A better quality of life means addressing the traffic congestion and pollution.

A3.13 A greater choice in travel would enable everyone, including those that don't own a car or cannot drive (often the young, the old and the less well off) to gain access to employment, shops, services and other facilities. Alternatives to the car, especially for short journeys, will increase the ability to take part in more activities and reduce feelings of isolation. It can also help tackle environmental issues such as air pollution and noise which can damage health and the built environment.

A3.14 The Council is currently carrying out a study to establish a twenty year vision for the principal transportation network. This examines ways in which these objectives may be realised and the elements which will be required to achieve a fully integrated transportation network within the next twenty years. Many of these elements are already found in the Access chapter but the study's findings can be incorporated before the Plan is adopted.

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Sustainable Development Policy

A3.15 Based on principles of sustainable development, Policy 1 is an overarching policy providing the context for more detailed policies and proposals set out in the other sections of the Local Plan.

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Balanced Communities - Overall Strategy

A3.15   The following Overall Strategy for Bath & North East Somerset takes account of the JRSP locational strategy, the community Vision and key objectives.  In working towards Balanced Communities, most of the Plan’s objectives will need to be applied to development throughout the area.  But the ability of different parts of the District to accommodate the levels of development suggested by the JRSP vary considerable and the overall strategy considers this spatial dimension:

 A3.15A The following Overall Strategy for Bath & North East Somerset takes account of the JRSP locational strategy, the Community Vision and key objectives.  In working towards Balanced Communities, most of the Plan’s objectives will need to be applied to development throughout the area.  The ability of different parts of the District to accommodate the levels of development suggested by the JRSP varies considerably and the overall strategy considers this spatial dimension.

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Quick Guide 4 Community Vision for a Better Future (The first Local Agenda 21 for Bath & North East Somerset– change 21 local action for a better future covering period up to 2019) 1. Using the Land Wisely As many people as possible will be involved in deciding how land should be used, so that local communities feel part of the decision making process. There will be greater local control of the planning process, which reflects local diversity. Development of energy efficient, low impact housing will be balanced with natural and semi-natural habitats that encourage an increase in the variety of wildlife. Businesses that are energy efficient and socially responsible will be balanced with agriculture that is environmentally sustainable. 2. Building Communities that Care People will live in communities where the individual matters and there is a feeling of belonging and community pride. Each person's physical, mental, spiritual and social well being will be important. Everyone will be active in their community and will participate in local democracy. There will be local access to good quality services, employment, recreation, education, community facilities, transport, affordable housing and green spaces. 3. Education for Life Education will be accessible to all in the community, regardless of age or location. There will be opportunities to learn from each other and to regularly research what educational needs there are in the community. Communication between people will increase and improve, including the use of information technology. 4. Using the Earth's Resources Sensibly People will use resources efficiently, making sure that everyone uses materials that are produced in a sustainable way. People and organisations will reduce, re-use and recycle so that there is no disposable waste. Energy will be produced and used in a clean way. Individuals and organisations will use this energy efficiently. Everyone will have access to information that will help him or her to make informed decisions about how they use resources. Appropriate technology will be used to solve problems and improve quality of life. 5. Access and Mobility for All There will be full access to a public and community transport system. This will be efficient, non-polluting, reliable and safe. Because of greater choice, people will drive less and will be able to cycle, use wheelchairs and walk in a clean, safe environment. 6. Local Work in a Strong Local Economy Wherever possible, local needs will be met locally, including food production. Local goods and services will be "branded" so that people know that they are supporting the local economy. There will be appropriate inward investment, encouraging a wide variety of different businesses to develop - both industrial and commercial. Community enterprises will be encouraged and will thrive. There will be an increase in sustainable tourism. Local people will recognise their influence on the economy.

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City of Bath

A3.16   As a World Heritage site, a careful balance is needed in order to accommodate development whilst preserving and enhancing Bath ’s historic and architectural qualities.  The City is set within its natural surroundings in which the City is set that give the City its it a unique character.  Bath is an evolving, living City and offers an important opportunity as a focus for new initiatives in B&NES Bath & North East Somerset during the Plan period.  Bath offers many advantages:

1)    It provides a wide range of existing housing, jobs, shops, services, community and leisure facilities accessible by public transport, walking and cycling;

2)    It gives offers significant new opportunities to promote social inclusion and a better quality of life, such as through the provision of jobs, housing, recreation and community facilities;

3)    It offers opportunities for the re-use of and regeneration of derelict (brownfield) land;

4)    It offers the opportunity for quality mixed-use design to enhance Bath’s unique character, including development at higher densities and with a reduced car parking provision in areas well supported by public transport;

6) 5) It offers the opportunity to reinforce the City as an important regional centre for business and international tourism, shopping, culture and entertainment; and

7) 6)     It provides a high quality environment set in a nationally important landscape with a rich biodiversity – an attractive place in which to work and live.

A3.17 In order to maintain the character and setting of the City in recognition of its World Heritage Site status and to meet objectives of the Bristol/Bath Green Belt, development will be restricted to within and, where it is in accordance with Green Belt policy, immediately adjacent to the existing built up area.

A3.17A However, to ensure major regeneration opportunities are fulfilled it is essential to provide transport infrastructure.  To meet this requirement a change to the Green Belt in the western part of the City will be necessary.  The City boasts one of the premier Universities in the country which has seen considerable development of its academic, student and sporting accommodation in recent years.  To help meet national expectations for higher education, further planned development at the campus can only be achieved through changes to the Green Belt.

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Keynsham

A3.18 An alteration to the Green Belt at Keynsham to accommodate new housing and associated social infrastructure and employment opportunities will facilitate the town's increasing importance within the District.  Whilst it will result in some greenfield development at Keynsham there are particular advantages:

 1) New development where there is already a good range of services and where there are good public transport links to the Cities of Bath and Bristol .

 2) It will stimulate investment to improve the vitality and viability of the town centre, and bring forward new initiative.

 3) It will provide sustainable development opportunities, with mixed uses including local employment, services and community facilities. Integrated with existing  communities these will contribute to social inclusion and quality of life objectives for the residents.

A3.18 At Keynsham the Structure Plan proposes a change to the Green Belt to accommodate residential development and associated infrastructure that cannot be accommodated in Bath (see Quick Guide 3).  However, the Council has carried out an urban housing capacity study which has identified significant opportunities for increased development in the City on previously developed (brownfield) sites.  In accordance with Government Guidance this should take precedence over greenfield allocations and so no changes to the Green Belt are proposed.

 A3.18A Instead the emphasis is on regeneration of existing sites to enhance the town’s employment opportunities and improve town centre facilities with limited residential development.  This strategy will reduce the need to travel, promote social inclusion and create a more sustainable pattern of development.

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Norton-Radstock

A3.19 Norton-Radstock is not so well placed in respect of access to the two main urban areas Bath and Bristol.  There has been considerable housing growth in recent years and there remain substantial commitments.  The town needs to achieve a better balance between housing and local employment which calls for improved connections to the national motorway network.  This accords with Regional Planning Guidance, which seeks greater self-containment for towns such as Norton-Radstock. The completion of the Avon Ring Road should help in this respect and further improvements may follow the proposed A362 and A37 route studies.  The proposed re-opening of the railway between Radstock and Frome may also help to bring employment to the area. (See para B7.27). 

A3.20 This will reduce the need to travel, promote social inclusion and create a more sustainable pattern of development. To this end only limited further housing development is proposed with the emphasis on economic development to meet local needs.

A3.21 The ongoing regeneration in the Radstock centre and environmental improvements in Midsomer Norton town centre, together with an emphasis on high quality design, will improve the area’s attractiveness and accessibility. It will also enhance the area's role for tourism based on its mining and, railway heritage and other assets. This heritage, together with the towns distinctive landscape setting will continue to contribute to the areas attractiveness as a place to live. 

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Rural Areas (SEE Diagram 3A)

A3.22 Over 90 % of the District is classified as rural. The District’s 47 rural parishes are illustrated in Diagram 3A The Government's vision for the countryside is a living, working, protected and vibrant countryside.

A3.23 Villages range in size and type and lie within landscapes of varied and distinctive character. Almost a third of the District lies within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The District's varied geology, topography and soils have given rise to a rich biodiversity with some wildlife sites such as Chew Valley Lake being of international importance.

A3.24 The District's rural areas have been settled since prehistoric times and this has given rise to a diverse cultural heritage. This extensive historic interest is reflected in the existance  existence of over 50 Scheduled Ancient Monuments, more than 30 Conservation Areas and over 1000 Listed Buildings.

A3.25 In line with national guidance, the Local Plan strategy is to continue to safeguard the countryside for its own sake and policies to protect and enhance environmental resources will continue to take a high priority.

A3.26 In addition, with over 45,000 residents living in villages, hamlets and other locations in the countryside, it is essential to sustain economic and social vitality in order to provide for balanced communities and to address social exclusion.

A3.27   Some rural services are overstretched. and there There is a particular need for affordable housing and to retain and improve local shops and recreational opportunities

A3.28 A robust economy is needed in order to create the wealth for education, health and other services and to sustain environmental quality. The nature of employment is changing with fewer jobs in agriculture and, in some parts of the rural area, opportunities are needed for regeneration.

A3.29 Therefore the Local Plan strategy is to enable limited development to meet these objectives. Development will generally be aimed at settlements which have good local services and include public transport. These settlements are thereby local service centres, acting as a focus of provision for other settlements.

A3.30 In addition, development will also be guided to those settlements which have at least a reasonable level of local services and sufficient public transport access both to the local service centres above and to the towns and cities. In this way rural community needs can be met within clusters of settlements.

A3.31 Development will need to meet high standards of design, be sensitive to the character of existing settlements and conserve historic, wildlife and landscape resources. Building in the open countryside will continue to be strictly controlled.

A3.32 To encourage a thriving local rural economy including tourism, additional employment opportunities will be encouraged. Policies to encourage farm diversification will help to strengthen the farming industry.

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