Where are we now?
Although things seem to have been relatively quiet recently while we wait for South Gloucestershire Council to reveal changes to the long term plan (Core Strategy) since the planning inspector announced in the summer that he was not satisfied with their first attempt, STGH has been busy.
Amongst other things efforts have been made to discover who actually made the decision to propose building on this most historically valuable part of our town. Freedom of information requests exposed that a less than robust process took place, as indicated in the statement made by Christine Rickard to Thornbury Town Council (see below). Interestingly the enquiries also showed that the councils own Heritage and Landscape Officers believed the selection process to be flawed and the choice of Park Farm to be wrong.
STGH has also written to the planning inspector with the findings revealed by the information requests.
The planning application by Barratts has generated a substantial number of objections not only by individuals and organisations but also government departments such as the Environment Agency and English Heritage which is tasked by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in preserving important historic buildings, features and landscape.
The Environment Agency has particular concerns with development at Park Farm.
Did you know for example that the proposed housing development area includes the flood plain where flooding occurs on a regular basis?
The stream which flows through this area acts as the drain for Thornbury which then flows on to Oldbury, where properties are already prone to flooding. Any housing at Park Farm will undoubtedly put more strain on the drainage and increase the problems downstream putting properties at greater risk.
Problems upstream could also occur when blockages and increased use further downstream affect the natural drainage flow.
Flooding issues such as these have the potential to seriously affect residents insurance premiums.
Did you know that the Medieval Fishponds (now recognised and listed as an important Ancient Monument and therefore legally protected) are fed by natural springs - that’s why they are there.
English Heritage has expressed concern that loss of water from these springs will lead to irretrievable damage to the ponds.
Did you know that the water supplies for several properties in the area are partially supplied by natural springs?
It is inconceivable that development of the size in Barratts plan will not affect the water course, the supplies to the fishponds and the local properties.
What can you do about it?
South Gloucestershire Council have yet to reveal their hand with proposed changes to the long term plan but whatever they are they must be consulted on prior to being sent to the planning inspector for a second time.
They have suggested to him that they will be ready in early December followed by a six week consultation period which means that comments by anyone will need to be in by something like the third week in January.
We will be keeping a keen eye on progress and will provide updates as soon as they become available.
In the meantime we are hoping to provide further snippets on the issues surrounding Park Farm on a regular basis on this blogsite. Should anyone feel they would like to submit an appropriate item we will be pleased to receive and review the content at ourgreenheritage@gmail.com
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