Agenda item

(i)  Core Strategy Update – presentation by B&NES Planning Policy

The Core Strategy forms part of the Development Plan for the area and will be used in the determination of all planning applications submitted to the Council alongside other key strategies.

(ii)   Draft Keynsham Transport Strategy ‘Getting around Keynsham’ – presentation by B&NES Transportation Planning

The draft Keynsham Transport Strategy will provide a framework to support the delivery of the future developments identified in the Council’s Core Strategy. 

8.1   Core Strategy

8.1.1  The Chair introduced Neil Best, B&NES Council Planning Policy Team Leader who presented an update on the Core Strategy.

8.1.2  The Core Strategy is available online at.

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/core-strategy-examination

8.1.3  The attached presentation that accompanies these minutes covers the full presentation that was provided at the meeting.

8.1.4  Question and answers raised during this item were as follows:-

Q -The recent press release from the Secretary of State included a point that said local authorities do not need to meet housing numbers where there are green belt issues. This leaves areas that have worked to increase the numbers feeling unfairly treated.

A - The policy has not changed, green belt is a consideration but we have failed in arguments to central government that were put when setting out the core strategy. We feel that the wording gives false hope to change and would expect any further challenges on the numbers to fail.

Q – At the hearings the developers were putting in a lot of effort on the review, is there going to be any legal challenge that will re-open the argument?

A – There will be a five year review of the policy five (from the date of adoption). In addition there is a review around the Bristol / West of England partnership that is about 18 months away (in 2016) if B&NES is part of this then they do have duty to co-operate.  The current B&NES administration is looking towards Wiltshire and Somerset rather than Bristol.

Q - What is meant by the term affordable housing?

A – Refer to Policy CP9 page 120 of the Core Strategy.

Q – The local development framework sets out a need to provide Travellers sites, where do we stand on this at this time?

A - B&NES Council is currently preparing a response to the Government consultation. There needs to be clarity over the definition for a permanent site, when they are deemed to be a transient group is not clear. A more detailed response can be brought back at a later date.

Q – How will CIL money be passed onto parishes?

A - If a parish has a Neighborhood plan in place they can receive 25% of the levy, if not, 15%.

Q – Developers are moving quickly to fall into Section 106 and avoid CIL.

A – Developers are risk adverse and they know about section 106 and how it works so some will be looking to try to get plans finalised before change comes in. Section 106 will remain for certain developments once CIL arrives.  Full Council will be discussing CIL in February 2015.

Q – Does CIL have to be spent in the area that where the development takes place?

A – There is flexibility where the CIL payments are spent.  The detail has not fully been agreed at this stage.

1.1  Draft Keynsham Transport Strategy ‘Getting around Keynsham’

8.2.1  The Chair introduced Rab Smith, B&NES Transportation Council Planning Policy Team Leader who presented an update on the Draft Keynsham Transport Strategy to the Forum.

8.2.2   The draft Strategy is available online at.

http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/consultations/getting-around-keynsham-transport-strategy-keynsham

8.2.3  The attached presentation that accompanies these minutes covers the full presentation that was provided at the meeting.

8.2.4  Question and answers raised during this item were as follows:-

Q – What discussions have taken place with Bristol regarding future transport infrastructure and the potential for the final part of the ring road?

A – The four local authorities have worked together on South Bristol Rapid Transport. As part of the Core Strategy review there needs to be a strategic review of transport requirements to enable whatever development changes that are put forward to deal with the plans. There was a Greater Bristol review that took place in 2006 that supported the schemes that are coming through now, this will be revisited.

Q - Cycle paths are generally only used if they are level, flat and direct and accessible. Sustains work in Bath at the two tunnels project has seen big wins and great usage?

A – A key link along the river into Bristol is planned and others ideas will be explored.

Q - What is the long term objective for rail infrastructure?

A – Electrification will improve the capacity for Keynsham with a greater number of trains stopping at Keynsham Station.

Q - The option to reopen Saltford Railway Station acts as an alternative and will remove a number of users at Keynsham Station. It is estimated that Saltford would attract around three hundred and seventy users a day if reopened, Bath Spa University have 700 students and teaching staff per day who also support the opening of a station in Saltford.

A - There will be a number of additional measures that will be explored.  At the next Cabinet meeting in November 2014 a paper will be presented about the potential for Saltford Railway Station.

Q - Park and Ride opportunities for B&NES staff should be backed considering the number of car journey’s being made each day.

A - The Council does have a travel plan for staff as well as the options such as homeworking and the introduction of video conferences.

Additional comments made:-

·  There are a number of the Open Top buses that leave Burnett depot empty to go into Bath City. Could we not ask if the buses could consider the potential for operating a passenger service on the route to and from the depot?

·  Consideration needs to be given to the layout of the road near the entrance to Somerdale as housing developments have already started.

·  Need to ensure future transport improvements do not impact on the long term viability of the High Street.

·  The knock on effect to village must not be forgotten as there are dangers that new ‘rat-runs’ will emerge.