A second community consultation took part for Welton and residents in the surrounding area last Thursday, 21st January at the old Welton Bibby and Baron factory site, once known for being a large employer in the area. This week, Councillors and community groups have reinforced the argument that the site must not become another commuter dormitory, swallowed up in development profitability.
Emerging proposals of the plans were on display in the main entrance for the mixed use regeneration of the site, prior to an outline planning application being submitted to B&NES Council next month, addressing access and landscaping, with feedback on the proposals to be discussed at the planning stage.
Rather than see another huge housing development, members of the community have reinforced the need for jobs to be provided on site, replacing those that have moved out of the area and welcomed additional opportunities this plan may bring, such as connecting more of the Greenway, enhancing the Wellow Brook area and improving the connectivity of the High Street and Stone’s Cross area, incorporating the historic 1850s brewery buildings (depending on if they can be saved and how viable this would be).
Consultees were asked their views on Station Road and how important it is to widen the area, creating a new pavement, if the road should be more pedestrian friendly and seeking views on a proposed new east-west route to give improved access to the area.
There appears to be no major new roads in the proposals, with a mini-roundabout suggested in the area opposite the junction of Valley Walk and traffic calming around Welton Green, with road widening and improved visibility towards the Stone’s Cross. A new north-south street within the development is proposed, with pedestrian and cycle links to North Road and the High Street.
Residents were also asked their opinions on the type of homes most suitable for the area, the type of employment needed in the town and other uses and facilities the site could provide.
The side towards the Greenway is proposed for housing, with the site almost split in half in the current plans. Residential proposals include up to 200 homes on site, a care home and sheltered accommodation. Employment ideas put forward suggest a hotel with a family pub, potential health and leisure facilities, convenience store, offices and workshops.
Speaking after the exhibition, Roger Tollervey, Chair of the Welton Village Group said: “We are encouraged by the level of consultation and the willingness of WPB to listen to the views of local residents; the present concept is very much better than the original supermarket-based proposal (provided by previous developers).
“The plan to open the culverted section of Wellow Brook and feature the brook as a green infrastructure link is very welcome and we would hope that development either side of the brook is sympathetic to the concept.
“We recognise that a significant level of residential development is necessary, but remain concerned over the increase in traffic using Station Road and the safety implications. The need for a convenience store was clearly identified in our original workshop to canvas local views and we would hope that opportunities for local employment are maximised. We recognise that our members have a range of views on the development and hope to explore these at a future workshop.” (See Page 10 in this week’s issue).
Councillor Barry Macrae (Cons., MSN North), adds: “It is very encouraging that, after the initial consultation event last summer, the agents have clearly listened to the aspirations of our Welton and Midsomer Norton community. Their new plan contains much that is very positive – indeed, exciting. However, there are two areas where, in my view, they have simply got it wrong.
“The emphasis is far too clearly concentrating upon the total number of houses that they believe they can squeeze on to this site. Adding yet more of the traditional executive, semi and terraced houses, all with gardens, will appeal mainly to yet more new commuters from Bath or Bristol. They have not thought about the types of houses that might be preferred by our current locals, especially for our growing up youngsters, who really do want to stay here in their, our, Midsomer Norton.
“I firmly believe that this means a preference for modern, purpose-built, easy to maintain apartments, which should include a range of onsite care and support, perhaps with shared amenities and facilities, perhaps a new or relocated doctors and chemist. Such a scheme would also help to release current houses for our younger families to be able to trade or expand into.
“Secondly, I consider that the developer has not given enough thought to the most important matter of maximising new local employment opportunities on this site. We lost over 300 jobs when Welton Bag relocated. We urgently need as many new jobs, with a range of skills, from office, manufacturing and high-tech or eco-friendly, to dramatically reduce the massive and very debilitating daily out-commuting, improving the viability of our High Street in the long term.
“We also need the types of jobs that will appeal to our youngsters. These could also be supported with Apprenticeships and skill training to be provided by our excellent local college and secondary schools.
“I do believe that the present developers have made a promising start by having listened to many of our early local concerns. But now they need to review just what the next stages should be that will focus rather more upon what we, the community and residents, actually need. We have no time to lose – the site is already looking sad and tired. Let’s get on with it!”The two stage approach to the planning process involves fixing 'a development framework' through a proposed outline planning application, with the subsequent reserved matters being determined through detailed planning applications. Attendees were able to discuss the emerging proposals with specialist highway and landscape consultants who attended the event. Nigel Whitehead, from WPB Planning Consultants, said that the redevelopment team are optimistic about gaining public support for an overall masterplan for the site.