Agenda item

The Senior Professional – Major Development to provide an oral update

The Senior Professional – Major Developments updated the Committee on major developments in the district as follows:

K2 Keynsham – The Secretary of State had issued his decision to allow the appeal against the Council’s refusal of development on the plot of land owned by Taylor Wimpey. An application for costs had been made. He would report on progress at a later date. If any Member would like a copy of the decision letter, they could contact the Committee Administrator to forward the request to him. He responded to Members’ questions about various aspects of the proposed development.

Bath Western Riverside – A further application had been received from Crest Nicholson to develop 4 houses on some adjoining land which would complete the development. In response to a Member’s comment, he stated that it was likely that the development would be completed ahead of schedule.

Former Railway Land, Radstock (Norton Radstock Regeneration) – In response to an enquiry by Councillor Eleanor Jackson about the road system, he stated that this was still a live application and couldn’t comment on it. However, the highway works were being investigated and 2 Traffic Regulation Orders were being advertised. A further report on this development would probably be made to Committee at its September meeting. He advised that the Highways Department would be able to provide further information on the road system etc.

Supermarket developments in Bath – In response to a comment by the Chair, he stated that these were live applications and he couldn’t comment except to say that Tesco hoped to develop the former Bath Press site on Lower Bristol Road, Bath, and that Sainsbury’s were looking to extend their existing supermarket at Green Park Station, Bath. It was anticipated that these applications could come before the Committee at its meeting in September.

Bath Spa Railway Station/Bus Station – Councillor Neil Butters raised the issue of works at the Railway Station which could have a large impact and considered that this should be included in the major developments on which the Committee were updated. Councillor Les Kew provided information on the prospective completion date. The Senior Professional – Major Developments agreed to include this site in his regular updates to the Committee. There was further discussion regarding wc facilities not being available at the Bus Station with no directions to other public conveniences. This was the responsibility of First Group. It was stated that the facilities at the rear of Debenhams in Southgate closed from 5pm. The Chair stated that he would see what he could do to ensure that better facilities could be provided in the future. The Senior Professional – Major Developments requested that he be advised in advance if there were any other major developments on which Members would like to be updated at Committee.

Lidls – In response to a Member’s query, the Chair stated that there were some issues to be resolved but it was hoped that permission could be issued shortly.

Somerdale, Keynsham – The Senior Professional – Major Developments reported that, after undertaking a marketing exercise, the owners, Cadbury Kraft, had short-listed 3 developers for the site and that discussions/negotiations would be carried out with the successful developer and the Council later in the year.