Last evening saw an extraordinary turnout at South Gloucestershire Council’s full Council meeting, where councillors debated and voted on whether to advance the new Local Plan to the next stage—a six-week public consultation. The meeting, attended by most of the 61 councillors, was so well attended by members of the public that the gallery could not accommodate everyone, leaving some without seats.
The discussion was marked by passionate contributions from residents, many of whom were deeply concerned about the significant level of development proposed for the East Fringe of Bristol. Each public speaker was given a maximum of five minutes to present their views, with the overwhelming majority arguing that the proposed thousands of new houses would place an unbearable strain on the area’s already stretched infrastructure.
Key Concerns Raised by Residents
The principal concerns voiced by the public included:
• The already low ratio of jobs per household in the East Fringe would worsen, exacerbating employment difficulties in the area.
• The car-dependent nature of the plan would increase emissions, making it even harder for the Council to meet its sustainability targets.
• Increased road congestion, with the A4174 ring road feared to become “Bristol’s biggest car park.”
• Local services such as healthcare and education, already under pressure, would struggle to cope with the additional demand.
• The loss of substantial green space, which residents fear will negatively impact mental health and wellbeing.
• The destruction of natural habitats, further endangering local biodiversity.
Hanham Residents Speak Out
Two residents from Hanham spoke during the public session. Carole Yoxall delivered an emotional plea, highlighting the personal impact of the proposed development at “The Batch” site. She revealed that if this site is approved, her next-door neighbour’s house would be demolished to provide an access road for 140 new homes. Given that her neighbour’s house stands just six feet from her living room, Carole expressed her distress over the irreversible damage this would mean for her quality of life.
Geoff Maggs also spoke passionately, raising concerns about the disproportionately high level of development targeted at the East Fringe. Like many others, he argued that such concentrated development is neither sustainable nor fair. He further noted the widespread public suspicion regarding why this particular area is being asked to bear the brunt of the county’s housing needs while other areas remain largely untouched.
The Council’s Response
Following the public contributions, councillors took turns making their own statements. As expected, the vote to progress the Local Plan to the consultation stage was divided along party lines, and the motion passed.
Before the meeting, residents were invited to submit written statements expressing their views. Hanham residents were particularly vocal, with 19 written submissions calling for the removal of two key sites—HA1 “The Batch” and HA2 “Land at Castle Inn Farm”—from the Local Plan.
What Happens Next?
With the Local Plan now moving to the public consultation stage, residents will have six weeks (from 28th February 2025) to formally submit their views. Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society urges all concerned residents to participate in this process and make their voices heard. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of Hanham and the wider East Fringe for generations to come.
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