MP slams scheme for more housing
Bath’s MP is sounding the alarm over a potential extension of a housing development south of the city.
Wera Hobhouse is concerned about the plans for Sulis Down, which is between Combe Hay Lane and South Stoke.
Ms Hobhouse claims the development would have a damaging impact on Bath residents and “precious wildlife habitats”.
She said it posed risks to traffic, transport, local GP surgeries, schools and dental practices.
The developer plans to build a 300 homes at Sulis Down, in addition to the 171 already built.
“I am alarmed by this development and the impact that it will have on Bath and our residents. Make no mistake, the development is a city of Bath issue,” Ms Hobhouse said.
“While the development itself lies just outside my constituency, its further expansion will negatively impact my constituents.
“We will see massive pressure on traffic and transport, on our schools, GP surgeries and dental practices, all of which are already struggling to cope with demand.”
Recently, the MP met members of the South of Bath Alliance (SOBA), a residents’ campaign group fighting to preserve the green area on the city’s southern border, and ward councillors Steve Hedges (Odd Down) and Bharat Pankania (Combe Down) for an update on the situation.
In May 2018 Ms Hobhouse took part in a meeting with constituents called “Carmaggedon” which flagged concerns about a feared huge increase in road traffic the Sulis Down development could create. Now, she has spoken out again to raise concerns about the development.
“The only secondary school with spare capacity in Bath is St Mark’s in the north-west of the city, while these houses are being built in the south where the schools are all full,” she said.
“These are the wrong houses in the wrong place. We urgently need new housing in Bath but this must be social and truly affordable housing for young people and families, close to our jobs, many of which are low paid in the NHS and hospitality. Frankly, we don’t need executive homes for Londoners escaping the capital.
“The developers of Sulis Down, the Hignett Family Trust, got away with pushing through their original proposal without a comprehensive master plan. This means that their new application to build more homes cannot be policy compliant.
“The plateau on the south of Bath is a vitally important green space within the Cotswolds area of outstanding natural beauty, valued by residents and visitors.
“The further expansion proposed by the developers would destroy 70 trees and precious wildlife habitats and put Sulis Manor, a rare Arts and Craftsstyle house, at risk.
“I urge everyone to visit their website www.soba.org.uk to learn about what is at stake and for guidance on how to submit objections.”