In the week in which Curo Housing submitted its Reserved Matters application to build 89 homes on a controversial site, won at appeal by a previous developer in Greenlands Road, Peasedown St John, Councillors have questioned the housing organisation on a number of issues affecting the local community.

The village’s B&NES Councillors, Karen Walker and Sarah Bevan (Independent), who say they, in principle, remain opposed to any housing on this site, want to see Curo go further in addressing many of the concerns raised by residents.

Cllr Karen Walker, who has also led the Parish Council’s Planning Committee for the last five years, said: “As much as we recognise the need for more social housing in our area and the benefits that Curo could provide as a housing developer in Peasedown St John, our view on the development of this site in Greenlands Road remains unchanged.

“We have been for several years, and continue to be so, opposed in principle to any houses being built on this land.

“Curo must recognise the sensitivities surrounding house building on this site and still need to address a number of significant issues that residents have raised.”

The Councillors have called for people from Peasedown St John to be prioritised for all social housing built on the development and want both B&NES and Curo to take greater action over ensuring the Greenlands Road/Bath Road junction is made a lot safer for both drivers and pedestrians.

Cllr Sarah Bevan added: “Throughout the recent consultation period, large numbers of people living around the site have contacted us about their concerns.

“If B&NES Council is going to grant full, Reserved Matters permission, then Curo need to work with the community to mitigate the potential impact this development will have on our already stretched amenities, local school and health services.

“We want to ensure that during construction, any issues raised by residents are fed straight back to Curo via the site manager. To that end, I have asked Curo for the name and contact details of the site manager, so that Karen and I can contact him or her on a regular basis to get any queries addressed promptly.”

Residents and other interested parties can submit comments on the application before 24th March (ref: 16/00764/RES) via: www.bathnes.gov.uk/planning

With a decision due around 6th May, Karen and Sarah have asked for the application to be heard in public by the Council’s Development Management Committee, rather than in private by planning officers.

As with any large housing development, community funding (S106 money) is being provided by the developer for the village. At present, the allocated funds, which total almost £500,000, include £270,000 for local primary schools, £14,000 for youth

projects and £210,087 for open spaces, which includes allotments money previously thought to be something residents wanted and needed.

However, with ample allotment space already provided by Peasedown St John Parish Council, the local Councillors have asked for Curo to submit a Deed of Variation to B&NES for this funding to be spent in another way.

The Councillors would like to know how residents think the funding should be spent. Are villagers happy with the allocations, or would they like to see funding spent differently? Comments can be sent by email to: [email protected] and [email protected]

Following extensive lobbying, Curo has agreed to provide more on-site parking spaces within the development and pay for a full update of drainage works in Greenlands Road and Hillside View.