Haydon readies itself as second housing application submitted

There was standing room only at Haydon Que Club last Tuesday evening as concerned residents attended a meeting to discuss the new planning application submitted for 100 homes at Kilmersdon Road.

This is nothing new to villagers, who fought a previous application which was submitted in November 2013. It was refused permission by B&NES Council, with the decision going to Appeal, which was withdrawn before a decision could be made by the Planning Inspector.

Those who attended the meeting voiced their opinions that the development would be unsustainable, with current services under pressure and the regeneration project in Radstock bringing over 200 houses. Some argued that Haydon is a hamlet, not a village, and with 247 houses at present, another 100 would be completely out of proportion. 34 homes were built in 2007 at Collier's Way and residents stated that they felt this was enough and that they were proud of Haydon's identity and wanted to be kept separate from Radstock. Those attending heard support to their cause given by Radstock Town Councillor, Eleanor Jackson, and Lib-Dem candidate for Radstock in the forthcoming election, Bruce Shearn. Cllr Jackson said the site had already been investigated by Radstock Town Council as part of its Placemaking Plan and ruled out as inappropriate.

Residents expressed concern about wildlife on the site, which is 3.8 hectares of arable farmland. Last time, 150 objections were received against the application and those attending the meeting were informed of how they could do so again. Comments needed to be submitted around the time The Journal went to press this week, however, the absolute latest is 16th April via the B&NES Planning portal on its website, under application number 15/01075/OUT.

Many will be waiting for the outcome of the Planning Appeals at Boxbury Hill, Abbots Farm and Bishop Sutton, where the developer has argued that B&NES Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing supply. If the Inspector rules in favour of the developer, this could throw B&NES' Core Strategy into chaos.