Fwd: HBPC 9/11/23

Could you pass this update onto other HBP councillors please, as I don’t have everyone’s addresses?

B&NES Cabinet is meeting on Thursday evening this week.  We’ve come across this clash before when from time to time the Cabinet and HBPC are both on the same night every time (both meet 6 times a year).

Philip and I have had a chat about this and how we can try to avoid this in future.  

Volker attended to try to get the culvert flowing but were unsuccessful.

Next step is a specialist visit with CCTV inspection of the culvert and deep clean, hopefully this will sort it out.

Currently due to take place w/c 23/11/23.

New Chew Valley Cllr Anna Box has taken the lead on this (quarry is in Chew Valley Ward).  She has established it appears to be Duchy land, but with a charge from Lloyds.  She is suggesting the site be transferred for ecological purposes.  I’m not sure how realistic that is but she is trying to get this moving.

Drainage works are complete for now and are being monitored to see if they need extension in the future.

Highways inspectors have been out inspecting for landslips but have not found any evidence yet – this may just be when they happen to be there.

If any landslipping is noticed please both log on FMS and email me so we can get a message direct to the highways inspectors.

The revised submissions earlier this year reduced the ‘footprint’ and height/bulk of the proposed houses so that they were the same size or smaller than the current structure on site.  I feel that’s one important principle.

The main principle, of course, is that loopholes should not exist that allow planning permission for one thing that then becomes a passport for applying for something different, once that precedent is set.

I’ve been through this in some detail with planners and conclude this is down to the national planning system and it’s presumption in favour of development.  At the very least this loophole should be closed.

Has HBPC considered writing to our MP about this?

The application is going to Planning Committee on 15/11/23 for determination, with an expected recommendation from officers to approve.  But it will be down to the committee.

Although the loophole issues makes it feel like we’re onto a bit of a loser with this one, I’m planning to attend the Planning Committee and speak against this application on this point of principle.

Speak soon,

Dave