COUNCILLORS have narrowly approved a developer’s plan to build 200 homes west of Charlton Road in Keynsham after warning that new government rules gave them no choice.
Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee voted 5-4 to allow Persimmon to build the properties.
It comes after new government rules restricting councils’ ability to turn down housing developments came into effect. Councillors were reminded of the new rules at the start of the meeting on September 2.
Planning committee member Toby Simon (Bathwick, Liberal Democrat) said: “Under the current regime, I don’t think we have good grounds to reject this.”
The houses will be built on a field opposite Bilbie Green. This was one of several pockets of land suggested for housing in the council’s draft Local Plan.
No decision has yet been made on whether to allocate these sites, but that has not stopped developers from submitting planning applications to build on them already.
Councillor for Keynsham South, Alan Hale (Independent Group), agreed that Keynsham needed homes but said they should be built around Hicks Gate and the proposed northern extension of the town.
He said: “Keynsham South has had its fair share of development. I therefore beseech you to refuse the application you have before you.”
He warned: “Enough is enough.”
Former chair of the planning committee Duncan Hounsell (Saltford, Liberal Democrat) said he would not be supporting the development over concerns about “urban sprawl.”
Tim Warren (Midsomer Norton Redfield, Conservative) added that the land was in the green belt for a reason.
He said: “Keynsham is fast becoming a suburb of Bristol, sadly.”
But Fiona Gourley said it was good that 45% of the homes would be ‘affordable’ and pointed out that the development also included allotments, a play area, and cycle path.
She said: “I think we have no option to refuse it, but also it will bring benefits.”
The homes will be a mix of two, three, and four-bed properties. They will be “zero-carbon ready,” equipped with air-source heat pumps and solar panels, and will feature electric car charging points.
The homes only have outline planning permission. A follow-up “reserved matters” application will confirm the final details of the design and layout before they can be built.
Persimmon Homes Severn Valley managing director Claire Burton said: “We look forward to progressing our plans to the next stage and will continue to work closely with BANES Council, the local community, and its representatives as we develop our reserved matters application and aim to leave a positive and lasting legacy in Keynsham.”
Almost 100 people had raised objections to the scheme on B&NES Council’s website, citing concerns about extra traffic and the pressure on the town’s already struggling infrastructure.
Following the meeting, Cllr Hale posted on Facebook: “My concern now is that eventually they will build all of the way towards the town behind Lays Drive and then on to Lockingwell Road. If that happens, then we really will suffer gridlock, and the nature of the town will be significantly changed.”
One person commented: “I find it disgusting that with such overwhelming opposition they simply voted it through. What is the point in a public consultation if they just choose to ignore the will of the people?”
John Wimperis, Local Democracy Reporting Service, with additional reporting by Keynsham Voice
Above, a Persimmon image of the planned housing development
200 homes west of Charlton Road in Keynsham approved
