New school for land out of green belt
A new primary school and 261 homes are set to be built on a strategic site in Keynsham that was removed from the green belt. The application for the 12-hectare plot off Bath Road was met with 22 objections ranging from claims the new school was not needed to concerns about a lack of infrastructure. The development of 250 homes had already been approved in principle. Developer Crest Nicholson has now secured permission for another 11. Assessing the application, Bath and North East Somerset Council planning officers said “land parcel 7,200” was removed from the green belt to provide a residential development and associated infrastructure. It said the proposals respond well to the context and will integrate well with the surrounding area. The authority also said the wide range of properties proposed will provide a mixed community, including 78 affordable homes. The development also includes allotments, play provision and new planting, and there will be green corridors to provide new shared pedestrian and cycle routes. A Crest Nicholson spokesman said: “We are very pleased that our proposal has now been approved, which has incorporated amendments to the scheme in direct response from comments raised by the local residents and planning authority. “Upon completion the scheme will provide 261 contemporary-styled homes, offering something for buyers at every stage of the market.” Homes will range from one-bedroom for first-time buyers to large four-bedroom detached properties and the site will be landscaped with open spaces for the community. The spokesman added: “Crest Nicholson will also be making significant investment towards local transport links, employment initiatives and education.” Separate proposals for 200 houses east of the site and 80 to the south are yet to be considered by B&NES Council.