Issue - meetings

This report provides an update on planning and development matters in relation to the planning strategy for Paulton.

The Chair explained that the Group Manager for Policy & Environment was unable to attend the meeting.

Councillor Liz Hardman addressed the Panel. She stated that Paulton was a medium size village that had seen lots of housing developed recently including a large amount on the former Polestar site. She informed them that 650 new homes have been delivered or planned for since April 2011.

She commented that she believed that Paulton and the Somer Valley had done enough for housing within the area and that further housing would put a huge stress on the highways, schools and local surgeries. She added that what the area truly required was employment opportunities.

The Chair commented that she was disappointed in the potential loss of a retirement community development for local people and the employment that that could have brought to the area.

Councillor Brian Simmons asked if she was aware that Wickes were set to take over the former Great Mills site.

Councillor Liz Hardman replied that she was and that she welcomed the jobs that this would create.

The Chair thanked the officer for their report and the Panel for their role in receiving and discussing similar reports across other areas of the Council over the past few years.