BathNES Liberal Democrats

Core Strategy Consultation Is Open

by B&NES; Lib Dems

Local residents are being urged to have their say this month on the latest changes which are proposed to the B&NES Core Strategy.

The Core Strategy is the top-level planning document for the district, which was originally adopted in September 2011. However since then changes to national legislation have meant that the Council is required to find more land for housing. The plan now is for 12,700 new homes over the period of the plan (to 2029) rather than the previous figure of 11,500.

A set of proposed changes to the Core Strategy were adopted in March this year, with cross party support. Now residents have their chance to comment on these proposals in a consultation running from 26 March through to 8 May 2013. All comments will be sent directly to the Government Inspector for consideration during public hearings in June/July 2013.

Councillor Ben Stevens (Widcombe) commented:

"I would urge residents to respond to the consultation so that your views can be taken into account at the next stage of consideration of the Core Strategy.

"It's essential that we get an approved Core Strategy for the district, to make sure that we are protected from unplanned and speculative planning applications. However it is also important that the Inspector hears from local communities about what is best for them – particularly given that some of the proposed sites are on previously undeveloped land.

"The Core Strategy proposals will help provide for much-needed homes for local families including over 3,000 affordable homes, as well as helping to promote a strong local economy, by allocating land for employment uses."

The Council is holding a series of consultation events in April at venues across the district. Residents can also respond to the consultation in writing. For further information, please see this link: www.bathnes.gov.uk/corestrategy or drop into a Council Office or Library.