By Ian Bell, secretary

BATH and North East Somerset Council is running a consultation about the Local Plan, which is all about options for development in the district over the coming years. The decisions about the number of houses and the availability of workspace will have a crucial bearing on the local economy of the Chew Valley, so we are encouraging members to make their opinions heard.

The target for the number of houses that government wants to see has virtually doubled, so it will be inevitable that a proportion of those will be built in and around our villages.

There will doubtless be opposition from some quarters, but if the proposals are proportionate there can be many advantages. I remember, some years back, when I was a member of Chew Stoke Parish Council, there was real concern about the idea of building houses on the former Radford’s factory site. But now it’s clear the development has been a great success, allowing some people to downsize, whilst remaining in the village, and at the same time attracting young families with children who bring fresh energy.

The trick will be to find the right balance and scale of developments which will be acceptable to existing residents on the one hand, but also allowing sustainable growth on the other. That will provide a firm long-term foundation for our local economy and allow businesses to thrive, which will be for the benefit of the whole community.

Those companies will be able to continue to not only provide a wide range of goods and services but a variety of jobs which will offer opportunities and an attractive future for our young people who want to stay to live and work in the Valley.

If you would like to find out more about Chew Valley Chamber of Commerce please visit our website: chewvalleychamber.co.uk