B&NES approves revised plans for Waterloo Road Surgery.

Last Wednesday, 20th September, B&NES Council’s Development Management Committee reconvened at the Guildhall to make a decision on plans for a new Doctor’s Surgery, Children’s Centre and Library facility for Radstock. Whilst residents have been unhappy about the location proposed, the Committee were more concerned with the design of the building, particularly disliking the use of timber cladding. Councillors agreed to defer the decision in August until a redesign had been made.

After discussing the new submissions, the Hope House application was approved by members of the Development Control Committee, with the exception of Councillor Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge).

The offending proposed timber cladding has been amended to a lighter colour, and will be treated with a product called ‘Sioo’, which naturally speeds up the ageing process, giving a clean, consistent finish which would be pale, and not dissimilar to the hue of the expensive and lamented White Lias stone.

The level of natural stone in the development has also been increased from the original submission. Natural stone is now the predominant material along the main public-facing north-elevation, with stone proposed to be full height along three sections.

Natural stone is also proposed around the entire ground floor, with the first floors to be finished in timber and glazing.

The cantilever at the front entrance has been removed to avoid overhanging and the easement of an existing sewer. The glazing at first-floor level is proposed to project, to provide activity, prominence and interest at this corner.

After the new design was presented, several speakers were given the chance to speak on their opinions of the proposed development. B&NES Alderman Terry Reakes, spoke against the development, describing the proposed building as “a budget-driven, monolithic, unwanted intrusion on a precious green open space” and that it should be “refused in its entirety.” He is now appealing to local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, to ask for a call-in from the Government’s Secretary of State, protesting against the loss of green space and accusing B&NES of acting against its own planning policy.

Cllr Eleanor Jackson (Labour, Westfield), in a humorous, but sincere speech, also spoke against the development, citing issues such as a potential increase in traffic, limited parking, road safety for pedestrians, and the use of the existing green space for exercise by local children.

Councillor Patrick Anketell-Jones (Conservative, Lansdown) called the new design a “significant improvement”, with Cllr Les Kew (Conservative, High Littleton), calling the plans positive for both the area and local people. He put forward a motion to delegate to permit the plans, with an additional condition regarding the provision of a sample panel of the treated wood, which was resolved eight votes to one.

A spokesperson for Hope House told The Journal this week: “We are delighted to announce that Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Development Management Committee has approved our planning application (subject to conditions), for our proposed Health and Community Centre on Waterloo Road in Radstock.

“We are pleased that we can continue to work with our partners on this exciting opportunity, to allow us to continue to provide general practice services to the growing population, and to develop further enhanced services for the community.

“Collectively, we recognise that a holistic approach to health care and social wellbeing can deliver significant benefits to our population.

“We will be continuing to work closely with Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, NHS England and B&NES Council to ensure that the development and building work now progress efficiently.

“We all remain committed to our objective to provide sustainable heath and community facilities in the centre of Radstock for generations to come.”

Although unconfirmed, development work is expected to begin in the Spring.