Category: Uncategorised

Saturday 20th April 2024
10.00 – 11.30.a.m.
Please come and join members of
Whitchurch Village Council
in our village litter pick

Meet at Whitchurch Village Community Centre

Equipment provided.
All welcome

Notice is given that Bath and North East Somerset Council in exercise of its powers under section 14 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 intends to make an order to the effect of which will be to temporarily introduce a road closure in that length of Washing Pound Lane, Whitchurch from its junction with Church Road extending north to a point outside the
property known as The Fleet. USRN: 47904494.
This order is required because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road to enable Wales & West Utilities to carry out gas upgrade works on the 25th March 2024 for a maximum period of 4 months. The road will only be restricted as and when traffic signs are in position and may not be effected for the whole of the period but only for so long as is necessary to execute the works. This is anticipated to be for EIGHT WEEKS.
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: Washing Pound Lane (remainder) – Whitchurch Lane – Half Acre
Lane – Church Lane – Church Road – Vice Versa.
Link to One.network: https://one.network/?tm=137044841

We have just been advised that bridge repairs have started on the A37 just passed the bend on the way to Pensford, traffic lights in place. This will cause delays and is likely to go on until Friday.

We have been informed by Bath and North Eat Somerset Council of two new policies commencing at our recycling centres next week.

• New limits on construction waste (rubble, soil, ceramics and plasterboard) that can be taken to sites.
• Introduction of sorting for bagged waste brought for disposal in the residual waste skips.

Further information on each of these policies can be found here

IMPORTANT DATE DROP-IN EVENT

Whitchurch United Reform Church, 6 March 3PM-7PM

Click for detailed maps of Options: Option A , Option B , Option C , Option D

We have been advised by Bath and North East Somerset Council of the following :

Options for how we address our future development needs, such as where to deliver new homes and jobs across Bath and North East Somerset and what policies we need for addressing the climate and ecological emergencies are being consulted on from today 12 February 2024.

Residents and businesses can have their say during the eight-week consultation on the Local Plan Options Document, which is the next stage in the development of a new Local Plan for the district.

The Local Plan is an important statutory document used for decision making on development and the use of land, and when adopted will form the basis for determining planning applications until 2042.

The options, which were approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s cabinet, support the council’s Corporate Strategy and Economic Strategy for a fairer, more prosperous and sustainable economy.

Another key objective for the Local Plan is to maximise the delivery of housing that is more affordable and the document says an estimated 14,500 new homes are needed up to 2042. Of those, more than 6,000 will be built on sites, mainly brownfield sites in Bath, that are already committed for development via planning permission or allocated in the current Local Plan.

Residents and stakeholders will be able to comment on the options proposed by responding to an interactive version of the Local Plan online, as well as taking part in a series of in-person events.

Videos will be added to the council website giving step-by-step guidance on ‘How to Comment on the Local Plan’ and explain ‘What is a Local Plan’ as well as outlining how the various options will help to deliver the council’s priorities on housing, the climate emergency and sustainable transport.

A second set of videos will discuss locations identified in the Options Document that could be developed to create additional housing or jobs, together with the necessary supporting infrastructure: Keynsham and Saltford, Hicks Gate, Whitchurch, Bath and the Somer Valley.

A series of drop-in sessions where people can discuss the options with council officers have been arranged at the following locations:

• Keynsham Community Space, 22 February
• Trinity Church, Radstock, 26 February
• Saltford Hall, 29 February
• The Hive, Peasedown St John, 1 March
• Bath Cricket Club, 4 March
• Whitchurch United Reform Church, 6 March
• Farrington Gurney Village Hall, 13 March.

All the drop-in events run from 3pm to 7pm.

Printed copies of the Options Document are available at Bath Central Library; Keynsham Library; Midsomer Norton Library; Bath Housing, Welfare and Advice Services, the mobile library and all community libraries. Easy Read copies can be requested by emailing planning_policy@bathnes.gov.uk and there is an Easy Read version of the document online.

Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for Built Environment and Sustainable Development, said: “The Local Plan ensures that high quality development can be delivered in a planned and co-ordinated way alongside the necessary infrastructure while helping the council to meet its priorities: providing affordable housing and addressing the climate and ecological emergency. We are encouraging as many people as possible to take part by submitting their comments on line or by attending one of our engagement events that we are running across the district. People can also submit comments by post. We are keen to hear peoples’ opinions.”

The consultation opened on 12 February and runs for eight weeks until 8 April. You can respond on the BNES council website.

When the consultation closes, the issues raised in all comments and feedback will be considered and a Draft Local Plan will be produced which will be subject to consultation. It will then be submitted to the Secretary of State and examined by an independent planning inspector in 2025. If approved by the inspector, it will be adopted by the council.

More information about the development of the new Local Plan can be found on the BNES council website

Keynsham Spring Show we are holding on Saturday 23^rd March 12noon to 5pm at Keynsham Scout HQ.

There are more categories to enter this year so something for everyone.

For a link to the full schedule please click here

ROAD CLOSURE MAGGS LANE for 3 CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS

9th – 11th February 2024, 16th – 18th February 2024, 23rd – 25th February 2024

We have been advised by Bath and North East Somerset Council of a road closure in that length of Maggs Lane, Whitchurch from its junction with the A37 Bristol Road extending west to a point adjacent to 2a St Nicholas Road.

A temporary suspension of the one-way restriction allowing traffic to travel in both directions, from the Bristol end of Maggs Lane, Whitchurch at its junction with Washing Pound Lane. Two Operatives with a radio contact system will be in situ during the works and will use stop and go boards to assist traffic. The site will be returned to normal access when not working.

This order is required because works are being or are proposed to be executed on or near the road to enable Wales & West Utilities to undertake gas main upgrade works on the 9th February 2024 for a maximum period of 6 weeks.

The road will only be restricted as and when traffic signs are in position and may not be effected for the whole of the period but only for so long as is necessary to execute the works.

The works are anticipated to be carried out over 3 consecutive weekends between the following dates:• 9th – 11th February 2024• 16th – 18th February 2024• 23rd – 25th February 2024

ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: A37 – Ridgeway Lane – Washing Pound Lane – Maggs Lane –Vice versa. Access will be maintained for residents.

Link to One.network: https://one.network/?tm=136583231

Residents in Bath and North East Somerset who are on low incomes can apply for a one-off payment of £150 to help with energy costs this winter. Bath & North East Somerset Council has launched a new Winter Energy Support Fund using its allocation of government funding from the Household Support Fund. To qualify, residents must be aged over 18 with a permanent address in B&NES and savings of no more than £6,000. They will also need to be in receipt of a qualifying benefit or be on a low combined income of less than £500 per week. Anyone in the household who receives Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, or Attendance Allowance will qualify for an extra £100 in addition to the £150 standard payment. The council may also consider applications from residents who are in financial crisis due to circumstances beyond their control. Applications can be made here and will be assessed in order of receipt. People can also request a paper copy or complete it over the phone by calling the Benefits Team on 01225 477277 (option 1). The number of awards that can be made are limited. B&NES Councillor Mark Elliott, cabinet member for Resources, said: “We know that many households continue to struggle to pay energy bills and want to make sure that families are supported through these harsh winter months. I don’t want to see any residents go cold this winter. If you think you qualify for this vital help, please apply to us as soon as possible.” Information and advice to support with food, energy and money is available on the B&NES website Residents can find a warm space near them on the warm spaces directory

We have been advised by Wessex Water that there will be multiway traffic lights on the Bristol Road/A37 in the location of the United Reform Church. This is to repair/replace the cover/frame.