Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Bath & North East Somerset’s Core Strategy David Trigwell Divisional Director Planning & Transport Development y

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 The Regional Spatial Strategy context The Council agreed its response to the RSS proposed changes on 11 th September In essence:  The Council, whilst committed with its partners to delivering growth across the sub-region does not accept the scale or distribution of growth set out in the RSS proposed changes. We are now waiting to hear the Government’s response – they received 35,000 comments.

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 The Regional Spatial Strategy Proposed Changes Key Growth Agenda Points Increase in the overall housing requirement from 15,500 new homes to 21,300 new homes –Bath: 6000 dwellings –Bath Urban Extensions :2000 dwellings –Keynsham: 3000 dwellings –Bristol Urban Extensions: 8000 dwellings –The rest of the district : 2300 dwellings (inc. Radstock) Need to plan for employment growth of about 20,200 additional jobs within the Bath Travel to Work Area including the provision of about 39 hectares of employment land Needs to identify sites to meet the specific needs of different groups of gypsies and travellers (Gypsies & travellers – 19 permanent and 20 transit pitches)

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 SUSTAINABLE PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT Urban ext. Draft RSS (15,500) 6000 Urban ext. Rest of District 1500 Proposed Changes (21,300) 3000 “The Growth Agenda” Jobs – Employment Land Study

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 RSS Key Network Diagram

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Greater Bristol Bus Network

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Mode of Travel to Work: Radstock Ward Source: 2001 Census

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Norton Radstock Transport Study Parking Surveys - On Street - Off Street Traffic Study - Existing Network - Impact of RSS proposals Identification of Local Network Improvement Solutions - Bus Routes/ Frequency - Pedestrian Access - Cycle Access - Junction Capacity

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Implication of RSS housing requirements for Radstock The rest of B&NES : 2300 homes In fact: Site allocations through the B&NES Local Plan already add up to nearly 2000 dwellings so not much room for any more growth. But The Council is asking for a more flexible delivery pattern to meet local needs and aspiration

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 What will the Core Strategy include? Vision and policy framework for development of the district to Must demonstrate deliverability. Area based approach: Bath, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton & Radstock and Rural Areas Strategic sites allocated – new communities in urban extensions and regeneration areas in city and town centres (Radstock) Issue based policies

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 It helps to imagine the local development framework as the filling in a sandwich – top slice of bread is imposed requirements – national & regional bottom slice is local issues the filling (local policy) needs to bind the two together in a palatable way!

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Feedback from the Issues consultation Nov-Dec 2007 Midsomer Norton and Radstock 1) Overall approach Strong support for a more integrated approach to promote the Somer Valley as a whole but respecting separate identities and keeping physical separations between settlements Encourage tourism/visitor attractions More jobs where people live; The need to achieve a healthy balance of employment v. housing. A clear agreement and recognition of the role of MN and Radstock; MN as a commercial, retail and service centre. Radstock as a more artisan and heritage town. MN/Radstock as a Regional Spatial Strategy Policy B town

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Feedback from the Issues consultation Nov-Dec )Employment Encourage small business units – promote diversity need to encourage local businesses Improve public transport links because commuting will not decrease Linking up schools and employers (skills & training) 3) Housing Mixed views on the further provision of housing The need for affordable housing and housing for local people

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 4) Natural and Built Environment Protect natural environment and maximise access for community leisure uses (countryside, river) Strong support for safeguarding disused railways as sustainable transport routes such as public transport, cycling and walking 5) Transport Improve public transport Reduce the level of traffic congestion 6) Community Facilities Improve the provision of local services and facilities A deficit in provision of allotments Feedback from the Issues consultation Nov-Dec 2007

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Possible Spatial Vision for Midsomer Norton and Radstock “ By 2026 Midsomer Norton and Radstock will be a thriving and vibrant area with a sense of well being having retained its distinctive identities. Midsomer Norton and Radstock will be the principle service and employment centres for the surrounding communities and rural areas. Midsomer Norton and Radstock will develop and maintain balanced communities where future housing growth is matched by an increase in local employment opportunities.’’ We need your input !

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 We are suggesting to allocate the Radstock town centre to be allocated as a Strategic Site. What is a ‘strategic site’?

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 How is a “ strategic site ” defined? Central to the achievement of the strategy for the area Where investment includes a long lead-in time These sites can be delineated in outline rather than detail However: Should not include site specific detail in the Core Strategy Non-strategic sites should not be included

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Core Strategy Possible Spatial Options for Radstock Spatial Option 1 : Based on the Existing Level of development Spatial Option 2 : Town Centre Regeneration, Brownfield Development Spatial Option 3 : Option 2 plus some greenfield development

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Next Steps … Spatial options consultation Publish draft Core Strategy & delivery mechanisms Submit for examination Binding Report & Adoption Sept-Oct 2009 September 2010 January 2011 REGENERATION WORK: Detailed Site work & Master- Planning Nov-Dec 2011

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Developing Core Strategy effective community engagement is KEY to building consensus area specific drop-in sessions newsletters stakeholder workshops meeting community groups displays & events targeting certain groups One2one stakeholder meetings formal consultation role for Members, parish & town councils media coverage website updates

Core Strategy – Radstock Action Group 14 January 09 Contact Details: Planning Policy Trimbridge House, Trim Street, Bath BA1 2DP