Local Plan - Parish Council's Response

Bathford Parish Council

BATHFORD - DRAFT LOCAL PLAN RESPONSE REGULATION 19 CONSULTATION

Bathford Nurseries Site, Box Road

In principle the Council does not object to the site being included in the Draft Local Plan.

However, we do hold reservations as to the soundness and readiness of the site in relation to the justification for the removal from the Green Belt. The land is agricultural use not previously developed land, the plant nursery site being only a nursery and not retail or hospitality, and so does not meet the exceptional circumstance to justify removing the site from the green belt.

Also, if any green belt land is removed to be used for housing, the Golden Rule of 50% of the dwellings being ‘affordable housing’ must be implemented.

If, however, the site is included in the local plan, then we strongly back the measures to support the Climate and Nature proposals in Policy 5.1. These should be adhered to vigorously. The Golden Rules also state that there must be access to green space.

Figure 5.2 is misleading in that it does not retain the woodland belt to the North of the site or the retention of Bathford Nurseries as shown in the Local Plan consultation of November 2025. This must be reinstated and BANES should look to retain all or part of the existing Bathford Nurseries and accommodating the residential development to the .75 hectares on the Eastwoods (left) side of the site.

Ashley Road Site

The proposal for this site is not sound being an undeveloped site and given its location in Green Belt and the Cotswold National Landscape. The site failed Stage 4 assessment due to the harm to the National Landscape including an effect on openness and visual impact.

If this site were to be included in the Draft Local Plan, we would insist on a reduction in the density/quantity of dwellings and a need to address and mitigate the risk to pedestrians and vehicle users from the increased traffic flow to and around the site area on Ashley Road and New Road, notably during construction on the site.

As with dwellings built on land taken from Green Belt and National Landscape, the ‘Golden Rules’ must be applied to include 50% ‘affordable housing’ and green space.

Employment Site, Box Road

The proposal for this site is not sound as it is in both Green Belt and Cotswold National Landscape and has not been previously developed and so does not meet the criteria of exceptional circumstances.

As stated in 5.38 of the draft Local Plan this site has 'limited active travel opportunities' and has a low connectivity score.

If this site is included in the Local Plan, then it will have to meet the Climate and Nature proposals set out in Policy 5.2 rigorously and significant work would need to be done to make an entrance / exit to the site safe as it is very close to a dangerous bend in the A4 (40 MPH).

We have noticed several errors in mapping and text in this draft Local Plan.

Chapter 5 Rural Areas 5.31 states that Bathford Nurseries site is 'physically related to the existing built form of Batheaston’ . It is actually in Bathford.

Also, appendix 5 – Policies Map. The settlement boundaries for Batheaston and Bathford have been muddled, showing the area of Bathford north of the A4 to be in Batheaston. This draft Local Plan has obviously been prepared under time pressure for consultation but is not accurate.

Bathford Parish Council 30 October 2026

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