After over a decade of discussion, a decision on the reserved matters for Area Three of Radstock’s Regeneration site was due to be made by Bath and North East Somerset Council on Wednesday afternoon this week, after The Journal had gone to press. This is the most ecologically sensitive part of the regeneration land, due to be developed by Linden Homes, having been granted outline planning permission in January 2014.

The B&NES Officer has recommended the latest plans are approved, with conditions, as there are still concerns over aspects of the proposals.

Area Three includes the Brunel Railway Shed, the former Marcroft Wagon Works and Fox Hills site. Those against the scheme are concerned about contamination, the retention of an existing redundant bridge and a section of retaining wall of the brook, which will need repair works. B&NES’ Planning Officer also notes in the report that current ground condition surveys are taking place – should levels not be acceptable, revisions to planning approval may need to be sought.

Radstock’s Town Councillors have also been questioning boundary issues with the plans, however, Linden Homes says it is confident these are correct. The Town Council, Westfield Parish Council and Cam Valley Wildlife Group have all objected to the plans.

This is the most difficult part of the regeneration scheme for the developer, which has urged B&NES to consider the application quickly so that the plan remains viable. 71 three, four and five bed terrace, semi-detached and detached homes are proposed on this site, with all of the affordable housing already delivered in Area Two, for fear of the loss of HCA funding. The developer argued, successfully, a reduction on affordable housing, no S106 education contribution and a reduction in natural materials sought in some parts of the build, so that the development was viable – this was assessed independently and was not in dispute.

The B&NES Planning Officer recommends approval on balance because of the regeneration potential for the town, however, seeks conditions that a plan to repair the brook retaining wall be submitted to the local planning authority and that an annual ecological inspection takes place on site, reporting back to the Council so that wildlife, particularly the bat corridor, is protected.

Whilst the B&NES Officer states that the development of the site does not protect the railway route ‘either now or subsequently’, the Norton Radstock Regeneration Company has previously said that this has not been ruled out. This Saturday, the North Somerset Railway Company, which plans to reopen the rail link from Radstock to Frome, will be holding an exhibition at Radstock Methodist Church, including a train simulator demonstration of what it would be like to take a ride on the track, plus a model railway. The exhibition is free and runs during the afternoon from 12.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. The North Somerset Railway Company are not the only group in the area wanting rail to return to the town. Last August, the Somer Rail Trust spoke of their intention to see a heritage rail operation up and running on the site.

The consultation on Area One of the regeneration site has now closed prior to the planning application being submitted, which is in the Frome Road area and will consist of commercial units and apartments. However, concerns have been raised about the lack of parking for those visiting the new retail units and with most homeowners owning more than one vehicle, this could be problematic. Those who are in favour of the scheme argue there is enough parking already in the town and that perhaps we should be leaving our cars behind. Others are calling on the whole road system to be rethought, particularly with the recent admission that B&NES is going to revisit the direction of Fortescue Road in response to feedback from traders and motorists.

More on this story as it develops online, visit: www.mnrjournal.co.uk