Welcome to Radstock Action Group

Thursday 9th October, Wednesday 15th October, Thursday 23rd October, Wednesday 29th October. All meetings start at 7.45pm.

The meeting for 1st October has been cancelled so that members can visit Dan Norris, MP. If you would like to take part, please contact the Secretary of RAG, Amanda Leon, on 01761 433 070.

Meetings will be held in the Methodist Church in Radstock unless otherwise stated. All supporters welcome.

IMPORTANCE OF NEW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

Cam Valley Wildlife Group is arguing that a further EIA is required for NRR/Bellway application 08/02332/RES. 34Kb pdf [ Download ]

B&NES responded to the Wildlife Groups' statement with the following:
"The Council has issued a Screening Opinion on this application in accordance with the Regulations and has determined that a further Environmental Statement is not required."

WANTED - SOMEONE TO BUILD A SCALE MODEL OF THE PLANS

Radstock Action Group is searching for someone who could help build a scale model of the Bellway/NRR proposed 'development' on the former railway land. Why? Because at the recent Saturday session about the plans, many people said how helpful it would be. Also because, it's only once people get down to the detail that they realise just how unreasonable the proposals are. there are still people who don't realise that the road and housing are going to be right in the middle of our town centre, including the conservation area. Members of the group thought about building the model themselves but soon realised they didn't have the expertise to translate drawings into a scale model - if you have these skills and expertise and you'd be willing to help, then Radstock Action Group would like to hear from you - you can contact us via this website, or by phoning 01761 433070.

RADSTOCK ACTION GROUP TO INTERVENE AT THE DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE MEETING ON WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER

This week, on Wednesday, the group is making a statement from the floor to the Development Control Committee on their worries about the Regional Spatial Strategy - there seems to be no-one at a local authority level taking responsibility for ensuring that the Strategy is observed and that its spirit and recommendations are honoured. The group is also preparing its response to the Regional Spatial Strategy - the deadline is 24 October. It is very clear that the current Bellway planning application is at odds with many key facets of the Strategy (and the Local Plan). But is there anyone in overall charge of the rolling out of the Spatial Strategy?

DAN NORRIS TO MEET RADSTOCK ACTION GROUP

On Friday, members of the group will be meeting Dan Norris MP who has invited them to have a 30 minute session before the start of his regular Radstock surgery. If any members of the public are interested in joining us, then they should phone 01761 433070. We're hoping that Dan Norris's views on Radstock will have toughened up a bit - so far he's steadfastly refused to accept that the plans face massive local opposition which he should listen to as the sitting MP.

WHERE'S THE NEW FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT?

According to the BANES website a new Flood Risk Assessment is imminent - we understand it's been done. The results were originally promised for July, but the current situation is that they can be expected in September - so not much time left.

Displayed prominently on the BANES website is the following statement (our colour and underlining):

Whilst preparation of the B&NES SFRA entailed a level 1 assessment for the whole district, only the River Avon (through Bath & Keynsham) has been subject to a more detailed level 2 assessment.

A Level 2 assessment for the rest of the District, including the Keynsham, Midsomer Norton and Radstock areas, is being commissioned and publication is anticipated in July 2008. Until the level 2 assessment is competed, data sets in the SFRA for these areas must be used with caution. Flood Zones in the SFRA are based on a high-level assessment and are indicative only.

What we all need to know is that the findings are being taken into account before any plans go anywhere. Anyone wishing to see the story so far should go to:
http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/BathNES/environmentandplanning/planning/localplans/ bathnesomersetlocalplan/strategicfloodriskassessment.htm

Press Release issued by Amanda Leon on behalf of Radstock Action Group
28 September 2008