2:34pm Tuesday 9th March 2010
By Liza-Jane Gillespie
A PLANNING blueprint for South Gloucestershire for the next 16 years has been launched.
Council leaders gave their support to the authority’s Draft Core Strategy at a special cabinet meeting on Monday.
The document, which will not go out to public consultation until May after the general election, lays out how the district will grow in terms of housing, infrastructure and economically by 2026.
Cllr Brian Allinson, executive member for planning, transportation and strategic environment, said: "We want to be in as strong a position as possible to protect the district from inappropriate and unsuitable development.
"We want to support all communities to deliver what development they think appropriate."
For Thornbury the Core Strategy proposes 500 houses be built on land near The Castle School and that a new Castle School sixth form centre should be built at the Park Road site in preparation for an eventual full school re-build.
The strategy also supports park and share sites at Aust and Falfield and safeguarding land in Charfield for a railway station.
For Yate and Chipping Sodbury the Core Strategy recommends improvements to rail services and station facilities, supports a Nibley park and ride and redevelopment of the Stover Road Industrial Estate.
The strategy also proposes housing and a new supermarket be built in Chipping Sodbury and 3,000 homes on land north of Yate.
The almost 500-page document has already been met with some criticism from local residents.
Peter Barker, from Iron Acton, addressed the cabinet meeting on behalf of villagers concerned about heavy goods vehicles using the B4059, Latteridge Lane, and called on the council to do something.
He said: "It is blatantly clear this is the most unsuitable road for HGVs in the region."
Mr Barker said the lorries had, over the years, caused damage to the road and properties and had led to a decline in wildlife.
Charles Eardley-Wilmot, chairman of local group Concern for Thornbury, also spoke at the meeting, expressing concerns about houses being built so close to Thornbury Castle but so far from the town centre.
South Gloucestershire Council's Draft Core Strategy is available to view online at www.southglos.gov.uk
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