About this page
How this part of the Local Plan Options Document works
These site allocation pages contain the following sections:
Site background
- A broad description of the site, with map if appropriate
- An overview of development proposed or already in progress
- Relevant aspects of planning policy for this site
- The history and status of any planning applications for this site
Options for the new Local Plan
We may suggest one or more possible approaches:
- Keeping existing plans for this site as they are
- Making small changes to our approach, which may allow for changes
- Replacing the approach with something that is substantially different
- Identifying factors or events which may affect this policy in the future
Site analysis
A short summary of our assessment of the site so far
- Opportunities presented by the site
- Constraints (obstacles which might make it a poor site to develop)
- Mitigations (Measures that would be needed to reduce any harm development would cause)
- Further information we'd need to make a more in-depth assessment of the suitability of the site
Policy context note
- Where decisions about this site may affect how we approach other sites (or vice versa), we will add a note to explain
Explore this site allocation
Select a section below to read more.
6.108 Option D comprises a parcel of land located to the east of the village, currently occupied by Horseworld.
6.109 This option is capped at 150 new homes, which is the quantum considered to generate the number of primary school aged children that could be accommodated by the existing primary school.
6.110 The site is located in the Green Belt. The Strategic Green Belt Assessment carried out by WECA to inform the now halted Spatial Development Strategy assesses these land parcels (P92) as making the following contribution to each of the NPPF Green Belt purposes:
- Purpose 1 - checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas: significant contribution
- Purpose 2 - preventing the merger of neighbouring towns: moderate contribution
- Purpose 3 – safeguarding the countryside from encroachment: significant contribution
- Purpose 4 - preserving the setting and special character of historic towns: limited / no contribution
Option D
Figure 44: Option D - Whitchurch Village, Eastern extension of the village (150 homes)
Opportunities
- Provision of 150 homes.
- Development in location less sensitive in heritage and landscape terms.
- Opportunity to improve access for residents into Stockwood Vale Valleys.
- Quantum of housing able to be accommodated at existing primary school.
Constraints
- Located in the Green Belt.
- Significant walking distance to existing village centre, and from facilities located in Whitchurch Bristol.
- Secondary school pupils would need to be transported to Broadlands in Keynsham at cost to the Council, and would not be able to reach school using actives modes.
Mitigation required
- 50m green buffer required to eastern edge, to protect views from Queen Charlton Conservation Area.
Further investigation or evidence
- Landscape sensitivity assessment and mitigation.
- Green Belt assessment required to assess impact of removing land from Green Belt, including cumulative impact when considering strategic removal across the district.