Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society stands firmly against the inclusion of "The Batch" in South Gloucestershire Council's New Local Plan. Located south of Hencliffe Way and east of Castle Farm Road in Hanham, South Gloucestershire, this site is not just unsuitable for development - it poses a serious threat to the local environment, the character of the community, and the very principles of sustainable development. This article outlines the compelling reasons why "The Batch" must be removed from the New Local Plan to safeguard our green spaces, uphold planning policies, and ensure the wellbeing of our community.
1. Incompatible with Core Planning Policies and Development Strategy
The proposed development at "The Batch" is fundamentally at odds with South Gloucestershire Council’s established planning policies and development strategy. The site is located outside the defined limits of development and within the open countryside, where development is tightly controlled to protect rural areas and manage growth sustainably. The refusal of outline planning application P23/01330/O by South Gloucestershire Council clearly stated that the scale and type of development proposed are inappropriate for this location, directly conflicting with the council’s core strategies.
Policies CS4a, CS5, CS15, and CS29 of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan Core Strategy emphasise the need to concentrate development in areas that can support it with existing infrastructure and services. "The Batch" does not meet these criteria. Including this site in the New Local Plan would undermine the strategic vision of sustainable growth, setting a dangerous precedent for future developments that could erode the boundaries designed to protect our countryside.
2. Irreparable Harm to the Green Belt
"The Batch" lies within a designated Green Belt, a vital part of South Gloucestershire’s green infrastructure that serves to prevent urban sprawl, protect the countryside, and maintain the character of our towns and villages. The proposed development is inappropriate for the Green Belt, causing substantial harm by reducing its openness both spatially and visually. This loss of openness is not just a technical issue; it strikes at the core purposes of the Green Belt, including preventing urban sprawl, safeguarding the countryside from encroachment, and preserving the setting of historic towns.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that development within the Green Belt should only be approved in “very special circumstances.” The Council’s refusal notice for the planning application P23/01330/O made it clear that the potential benefits of the development, such as providing market and affordable housing, do not outweigh the significant harm to the Green Belt. Including "The Batch" in the New Local Plan would not only contradict these guidelines but would also undermine the integrity of the Green Belt, opening the door to further inappropriate developments in protected areas.
3. Detrimental Impact on Landscape Character and Community Amenity
"The Batch" is an integral part of the local landscape, contributing to the area’s visual and recreational amenity. The site is part of a network of green infrastructure with significant visibility from various public rights of way, offering local residents and visitors a space for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. The proposed development would destroy this open character, replacing green fields with housing and infrastructure that would be completely out of place in this rural setting.
The Council’s refusal of the planning application highlighted the severe negative impact on both the visual and recreational amenity of the site. The development would not only harm the immediate locality but also diminish the broader landscape, which is cherished by the community. Including "The Batch" in the New Local Plan would result in a permanent loss of these valuable community assets, severely affecting the quality of life in Hanham.
4. Adverse Effects on Local Residents
In addition to harming the wider community, the proposed development at "The Batch" would directly impact the residents of nearby properties, particularly those on Hencliffe Way. The introduction of a new vehicular access route and the increased traffic associated with a large housing development would lead to significant disturbance, noise, and pollution. For residents at numbers 62 and 66 Hencliffe Way, this would mean a drastic reduction in their quality of life due to the overbearing presence of the development and constant traffic movements.
The planning application’s refusal clearly stated that these impacts on residential amenity are unacceptable and conflict with established policies aimed at protecting local residents from harmful development. Including "The Batch" in the New Local Plan would ignore these concerns, placing the interests of developers above those of existing residents who have a right to enjoy their homes and surroundings without undue interference.
5. Lack of Adequate Infrastructure Provision
One of the critical issues with the proposed development at "The Batch" is its failure to provide the necessary infrastructure to support a new community. The proposed development does not adequately account for the need for affordable housing, education facilities, public open space, healthcare, and other essential services. Without these provisions, any development on this site would be unsustainable, placing additional pressure on already stretched local services.
The Council’s refusal highlighted that the proposed development does not comply with Policy CS6 of the South Gloucestershire Local Plan Core Strategy, which requires developments to provide adequate infrastructure. Including "The Batch" in the New Local Plan would lead to the creation of a community that is not supported by the necessary facilities and services, leading to long-term issues for both new residents and the existing population.
6. Evidence from the Sustainability Appraisal
The findings of South Gloucestershire Council’s Sustainability Appraisal (SA), published in Appendix 1A of the "Local Plan Site Schedule 19 July 2024," provide further support for the removal of "The Batch" from the New Local Plan. The SA identified significant negative impacts associated with the development of this site, particularly in terms of its accessibility, environmental impact, and contribution to sustainable development goals.
The SA found that "The Batch" performs poorly against several sustainability objectives, including those related to biodiversity, landscape protection, and sustainable land use. The development would not promote the reuse of previously developed land, would result in the loss of valuable green infrastructure, and would harm both designated and undesignated heritage assets. These findings reinforce the argument that "The Batch" is not a suitable site for development and should not be included in the New Local Plan.
Conclusion: Removing "The Batch" is Imperative
The inclusion of "The Batch" in South Gloucestershire Council’s New Local Plan would be a grave mistake, with long-lasting consequences for the environment, community, and the integrity of the planning process. The site’s development would violate core planning policies, irreparably harm the Green Belt, diminish the local landscape, negatively impact residents, and fail to provide the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable community.
Hanham District Green Belt Conservation Society urges South Gloucestershire Council to remove "The Batch" from the New Local Plan. Protecting this site is not just about preventing inappropriate development - it’s about preserving the character, environment, and quality of life in Hanham for current and future generations. Let us stand together to ensure that "The Batch" remains a cherished green space, free from the threat of unsustainable and harmful development.
Sources:
South Gloucestershire Council Notice of Decision Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Outline Permission for Development Application Number: P23/01330/O - 16th August 2024
South Gloucestershire Council’s Sustainability Appraisal (SA), published in Appendix 1A of the Local Plan Site Schedule 19 July 2024
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