At a public meeting of Radstock Town Council on Monday this week, Cllr Paul Crossley, Leader of B&NES Council, spoke resolutely of the Council's plans to get work started on Radstock's railway land. The land, which has a long and woeful development history, is now in the hands of B&NES Council, Norton Radstock Regeneration Company and new developer to the project, Linden Homes, who are determined to push the scheme through. Cllr Crossley stated that there would be further community consultation during early May, as Linden Homes are currently revising their planning application and the density of housing, with a higher percentage of family homes being allowed for. The Council hope that 28% of a possible 210 homes will be affordable, but both the percentage and the number of houses are still being worked on.

The consultation event in May will then see a planning application being formally submitted, with work on the road scheme potentially starting in autumn this year.

Cllr Crossley spoke with determination regarding the unpopular road proposal for Radstock and promised that both the road scheme and the housing would go ahead and not one without the other.

He also pointed objectors to the Core Strategy, which is currently being examined by an Inspector and is due for further public consultation as a whole this Thursday, 18th April, (10.30 a.m. – 12 noon at Westfield Methodist Church, 2 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. at Radstock Methodist Church and 5.30 p.m. – 7 p.m. at Midsomer Norton Town Hall). He said: "As part of the Core Strategy, B&NES Council have to deliver housing and employment, otherwise we will have uncontrolled building applications in green fields on the edge of town, unconnected to road networks and town centres remaining undeveloped." He also commented that those against the scheme could object to the Core Strategy's Inspector at the public meetings, but would need to provide alternative sites for housing in their arguments. B&NES need to provide at least 12,700 new homes across the area as part of the Core Strategy.

Both Radstock Town Councillors and members of the public expressed dissatisfaction and a feeling that local people were being excluded from the NRR Board. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Chris Dando, also on the NRR Board, welcomed the fact that B&NES are investing in Radstock and pointed out that a public advert had featured in local press looking for Directors and that any local people who had applied would be taking part in a competitive process to be chosen. Cllr Eleanor Jackson said she was mainly in favour of Regeneration, but would like to see Fortescue Road rebuilt with a new shopping centre as part of the plans.

Cllr Crossley has now joined the NRR Board – B&NES say this is a sign of the Cabinet's 'commitment to get Regeneration started'.

The Council Leader also updated the meeting on the progress of the Victoria Hall refurbishment. He re-emphasised the amount of money being invested in bringing the building back to use, with asbestos removal taking place within weeks. He said: "Firstly, we need to get the building back into a workable state. Then we can look at how we use wider engagement of the public. As we are investing so much money in its refurbishment, the Victoria Hall will need to be able to fund itself in future. This could mean it may house a café or film club – we will be open to any ideas that can guarantee an income for the hall long-term."

The argument for a snooker hall has been firmly dismissed by the Council. Cllr Crossley pointed out that there are at least nine other local facilities for snooker in the area. However, it was argued at the meeting that all of these nine venues would have access to alcohol and that, in comparison, Victoria Hall's facilities were accessible for all ages. B&NES also say that they may not now move the library across to the Victoria Hall and that the decision is under review.Interestingly, Cllr Crossley was asked about the possibility of space being left on the plans for the reopening of the Radstock to Frome railway line, if private investment were to be found. Cllr Crossley replied that B&NES have been working alongside Midsomer Norton South Station in regards to regenerating a heritage railway. When pointed out that this railway currently doesn't lead anywhere, Cllr Crossley referred to the Metro West project, which is in very early stages. He pointed out that if the line from Bristol extended to Frome and Westbury, it could potentially come back to Radstock, but thought it unlikely for another two decades. Construction of the Metro West Project wouldn't begin until 2016/17 at the very earliest.

The huge transport project aims to improve rail service across the West of England, reopening the Portishead line, upgrading services at Keynsham and Oldfield Park and doubling the frequency of trains at these stations. It could possibly lead to the re-opening of Saltford Station.

Radstock's Town Councillors, residents and businesses will now wait with interest for the information event to be held in May and the updated plans to be unveiled.