Have your say on housebuilding plans (From Gazette Series)

Have your say on housebuilding plans in Yate

10:50am Thursday 8th July 2010 in Yate and Sodbury news By Alexandra Womack

PEOPLE in Yate are being given a chance to have their say on housebuilding in the town.

A public meeting has been arranged after South Gloucestershire Council announced proposals to develop a new community of 3,000 homes at Peg Hill.

Weeks after the news, Barratt Homes said it was putting together a planning application for 250 homes nearby.

Yate Town Council is organising the public debate, which will take place at Yate Leisure Centre on Friday, July 23 (7.30pm).

Thornbury and Yate MP Steve Webb will give a talk on housing development and local councillors will answer residents’ questions.

Mr Webb said people needed some clarity over housing development, particularly after the new coalition Government scrapped the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS), which under Labour had recommended that South Gloucestershire take 33,000 new homes by 2026.

"There is a lot going on regarding housebuilding and I think there is a lot of confusion," said Mr Webb.

"We have seen the success of the RSS being scrapped and yet, just as that is happening, consultation starts on building 3,000 homes and prospective application is lodged by Barratt Homes for 250 homes.

"Residents could be forgiven for not knowing what is going on."

Feedback from the meeting will be sent to South Gloucestershire Council. The authority is currently consulting the public on its core strategy, a document which plans future development in the region, and includes plans for new housing, doctors’ surgeries, schools and a community centre at Peg Hill. The site was chosen following discussions with town councillors and other key stakeholders. The consultation ends on August 6.

Barratt Homes is also holding a public exhibition on its plans for Peg Hill. It takes place on Saturday, July 17 (10am-4pm) at Yate Parish Hall.