Draft plans that will shape the future of development in the West of England have been approved for consultation by the Cabinet of B&NES Council.

Effects in B&NES will include additional housing developments for Keynsham and Whitchurch, ‘urban intensification’ for existing communities and a slew of proposed road projects.

Liberal Democrat spokesperson on Homes and Planning, Councillor Will Sandry (Oldfield), commented: “The public consultation on these proposals is welcome and it’s vital that as many local residents as possible engage with the process. No decisions have yet been made and I want to hear from the Cabinet that they are willing to listen to the responses they receive.

“There are a number of areas of concern in the proposals, which are already attracting criticism from residents and campaigners across the West of England. Areas of B&NES which are already due for major development are likely to receive even more housing, with over 1,000 extra homes in Keynsham and 3,500 in Whitchurch.

“B&NES is taking on overflow from Bristol and South Gloucestershire as the

Councils in the West gradually increase their cooperation. These new and growing communities will only work if the infrastructure is put in place. The plans have plenty of road building suggestions, including an unwelcome resurrection of the discredited Saltford bypass plan, but little to say on facilities such as schools and doctors’ surgeries. I also question whether the £7.5bn price tag for transport projects is really achievable, even over twenty years, given the squeeze on spending.

“This Strategy also offers little to the communities in the Somer Valley and to

improve links to the South and East of Bath. We need more joined up thinking

between Councils beyond our traditional partners in the former Avon.”

A further consultation on the plans is due to launch on 7th November.