As The Journal was being collected from the printers last Wednesday morning, news broke that the Government had rejected the call-in request for the NRR planning application, which had been granted permission by B&NES at the end of January. Whilst the news was reported via our website, there has been further debate on the subject, with Radstock Action Group asking for 'an open dialogue' with developers on the project, which is now set to go ahead after more than a decade of false starts.
Last Wednesday, Leader of B&NES Council, Councillor Paul Crossley, said: "The Council welcomes this decision from the Government which gives the green light for the regeneration of Radstock to begin. I'm very pleased that Government Ministers have shown confidence in the project, both in respect of funding for the road network upgrade and the planning decision, which has followed due process.
"It is now time to get on with the job of creating new homes, new jobs and new opportunities for the people of Radstock."
In letters to both B&NES Council and local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Planning Minister, Nicholas Boles, said that he was 'satisfied that the application should be determined at local level.
'The Secretary of State has carefully considered this case against call-in policy, which makes it clear that the power to call-in a case will only be used very selectively. The Government is committed to give more power to Councils and communities to make their own decisions on planning issues and believes planning decisions should be made at the local level wherever possible. The Secretary of State has decided, having had regard to this policy, not to call-in this application. He is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.'
Lib-Dem Councillor for Radstock, Simon Allen, said he was pleased with the news. "Radstock Town Council, B&NES Council and now the Government have given their backing for the scheme to develop the former railway land. We must now do all that we can to minimise the disruption that this unnecessary delay may cause for local businesses. This much-needed scheme will bring new homes, new jobs and unlock new space in the town. This is a positive step forward."
Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has sometimes distanced himself from the debate but has expressed interest in re-establishing a rail link in the town, said: "Having made representations on behalf of constituents, I welcome the decision of the Government to back localism and allow B&NES to determine the future of the site. Regeneration is a great opportunity for Radstock, but it is also important to have the support of the community."
Now campaigners say they would welcome dialogue with developers to ensure the plans deliver a positive future for the town. Speaking to The Journal this week, Amanda Leon, Secretary for Radstock Action Group, said: "I was never very hopeful that the decision would be called in. However, the Government has said that these decisions should be made at a local level – local opinion is still seriously divided, which is something which has not been addressed. We would welcome all parties getting together to tell us in detail what they will be doing and it will need to be done soon, as time is very short. We are still concerned about contamination of the land and a lack of parking in Radstock."