Radstock Town Council has commented on the revised plans for Area Three of the Norton Radstock Regeneration site this week.
Councillors voted to put forward a proposal for plots 135 – 139 to be replaced with bungalows, to combat overlooked properties and provide for older residents.
A second proposal was also unanimously passed to recommend that the existing bridge in Area Three, which is due to remain on site but be fenced off, be pulled down as part of the development, rather than let it fall into disrepair. However, Councillors stressed it would need to be done with care and sensitivity, so that issues of roosting bats and contamination can be addressed. The application will be considered by B&NES next.
An appeal was made to the Town Council by Esther Parker, on behalf of St Nicholas’ Churchyard. As well as its upkeep, the churchyard is almost at capacity, which Mrs Parker predicted would be full within eighteen months. There are hopes that it can be extended in future. If funding is not found for its upkeep, the task could fall to B&NES Council.
Cllr Elizabeth Derl-Davis reported that the Appeal by Earl Waldegrave against B&NES Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for six two-bed houses on the site of the old St Nicholas’ School had failed, with the Government Inspector upholding the Council’s decision. She reported that the Inspector had been concerned about the loss of a historic building within the town’s conservation area. Earl Waldegrave has previously said that the building is unsafe, having been targeted by vandals, with demolition of the old bell tower taking place in recent months under the watchful eye of B&NES officers.
Councillor Dando informed members that Somerset County Council has found temporary funding for the 184 Bath to Frome bus service that was under threat and that B&NES’ parking restrictions for Radstock have now been agreed. Church Street car park will see a maximum five hour stay between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday, excluding Bank Holidays on display of a ticket from a parking machine and with no return within an hour. There will be unlimited free parking at all other times.
At Waterloo Road car park, there will be a maximum four hour stay between 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. with the same conditions as Church Street, however, the uncontrolled area of the car park will continue as previously. The parking situation will now be monitored for a year, and Cllr Dando called on Town Councillors to help with feedback. He said he would continue to press B&NES for a “desperately needed” parking strategy for Radstock.