Protests over new scheme

Residents fear creeping urbanisation if 15 affordable homes are allowed to be built on the outskirts of Bath.

More than 100 people have objected to plans for green belt land off Deadmill Lane, with claims they are a waste of time and money after a previous 18-home scheme on the site was rejected by Bath and North East Somerset Council and Planning Inspectorate.

Applicant Millen Homes said scaling back its proposals would reduce the pressure on the Larkhall site and allow a greater degree of openness.

The council denied planning permission for the site due to the impact on the green belt and conservation area, and concerns about flooding and the access route.

One of the objectors, Jacky Wilkinson, said: “It would be astonishing if the council did anything but refuse this scheme again as nothing has changed in policy terms.”

Rogel Shackel said the scheme “promotes creeping urbanisation and would obliterate this wildlife refuge and threaten the adjoining greenbelt AND Bath’s World Heritage Site status”.

Their comments echo those of planning inspector Neil Pope. Dismissing the previous appeal, he said the development would “result in the loss of the unspoilt, green open qualities of the site and erode the pleasing contribution the site makes to the landscape setting of this part of Bath”.

Road safety was another common concern.

Millen Home said the scheme would help meet the demand for affordable housing, meaning it was not inappropriate in the green belt.

B&NES Council will consider the application.