Homes allowed next to nature site

COUNCILLORS have granted planning permission for 70 homes to be built on a field beside a Keynsham nature reserve.

The plans had attracted 265 objections and only two supporting comments. They were sent back to developer Taylor Wimpey by Bath and North East Somerset Council’s planning committee over concerns about biodiversity.

However, revised plans were submitted and Cllr Duncan Hounsell warned the planning committee it could face an expensive appeal if it rejected them without “rock solid” reasons.

The houses will be built on a field between the Manor Road Community Woodland nature reserve and Minsmere Road. Thirty per cent will be affordable housing and, following revisions, the site will feature ‘bee bricks,’ insect hotels and 40 bat boxes, as well as information boards about ecology.

The committee voted to approve the plans, although some councillors voiced their reluctance. One of them, Dr Eleanor Jackson, said: “I am going to vote for it through gritted teeth because... I am not entirely convinced about the biodiversity net gain and the way that’s going to be accomplished.”

The developers will also invest £2.3 million in the local area, including £130,000 on improvements to the nature reserve and £1.5m in public transport and liveable neighbourhoods.