By Harry Mottram: Following a public meeting in Axbridge Town Hall on Monday 30th March the Town Council have issued their objections to a plan for a Gypsy and Traveller site off the bypass. In a statement the town council addressed their concerns over the PLANNING APPLICATION NO. 02/25/00030 CHANGE OF USE OF LAND as listed on the Somerset Council’s planning portal.
The town clerk Vicky Brice put into words the thoughts of the council’s planning committee. She wrote: “Axbridge Town Council strongly objects to this application on the following planning grounds:- Compliance with national, regional and local planning policy and guidance; Effect on the landscape and the Impact upon the character and appearance of the area The site is outside of the settlement boundary within the Mendip Hills National Landscape adjoining the Axbridge Hill and Fry’s Hill Designated Site of Scientific Interest.”
The plans for the development are within the ANOB – Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty – of the Mendips adjoining the Axbridge Hill and Fry’s Hill Designated Site of Scientific Interest – which means development of this type goes against the rules surrounding the sites. The council said of the site that it is: “… a nationally important botanical site, for both vascular and non-vascular plants. It also contains a roosting site for two nationally rare species of bat and a wide range of butterfly species. These key features, including the wildlife habitat, would be threatened by inappropriate use of the adjoining field. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides protection for animals, plants, and habitats. In term of the impact upon the character and appearance of the area, the fields along this stretch of road are agricultural, with a view of the beautiful slope of the Mendip Hills. Any residential development and associated amenities (car parking etc) would detrimentally impact upon the character and appearance of the area.”
The council reminded the applicants that other proposals for developments on the Mendip Hills side of the A371 had been rejected by planners on a number of grounds including concerns over traffic and road safety. More objections included refuse and recycling collections, parking, a loss of agricultural land and a reference to a lack of school places. In conclusion the town council said: “Development on this site which is outside of the settlement boundary, in a protected National Landscape, adjoining the SSSI and situated on the A371 should be refused. At the public meeting to discuss this planning application (which was attended by many residents) we undertook to request that this application is referred to committee if not dismissed by officers.”
Online there have been a number of objections from residents who sometimes voice ideas not covered by the council. Applications for gypsy and traveller sites are rarely popular amongst residents for a range of reasons from concerns over house prices and social objections to people being able to move into an area without having to pay for the construction of conventional homes. Others point out the fact there is a shortage of affordable housing in the area and there is an unfair social prejudice against those who live on such sites. Now it is up to the planners to decide what will happen.
Bristol Airport
Anyone who has been to the airport recently will have noticed the amount of development taking place at Lulsgate with new carparks, roads and a hotel amongst new builds. The airport has put in more plans to further expand the airport to increase passenger numbers from 12 to 15 million per year with 4,974 night flights between 11.30pm and 6.00am, alongside runway and site boundary extensions and related development. Generally, the noise doesn’t affect Axbridge while many work at the airport or supply the businesses on site – but there is a wider issue over air travel and its pollution for some people and for more development in a rural area. To see the plans visit: https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=TCIP27LP01600&activeTab=summary
The Oak House
The pub, restaurant and hotel on Axbridge Square is to reopen on Friday May the 8th at noon following refurbishment by the new owners the Valiant Pub Company of The Oak House. And the new landlord is a familiar figure in the town: Ray Sparks. In a cheery social media post he wrote: “Hi everyone! I’ve been proud to call Axbridge home for the past 8 years, having moved here for family—and it’s truly become a place close to my heart. With 38 years in hospitality and a background as a qualified chef, I’ve had the privilege of running award-winning real ale pubs. Now, my focus is firmly here in Axbridge. Many of you may already know me through my role as a Town Councillor or from volunteering as a steward in the Museum. I also support various community groups in Axbridge. My aim is simple: to make The Oak House the heart of the community—a place where everyone feels welcome, can come together, and enjoy great company. I’m always here to support the town in any way I can, so please do pop in, say hello, and make yourself at home.”
Ray has had numerous messages of congratulations from residents already. The pub has also offered a competition to win bubbly wine advertised on the Axbridge Community FaceBook site.
So a new chapter in the town’s hospitality sector following the closure of the pub last Christmas – and it must be said competition for the Lamb Inn.
Axbridge News: Harry Mottram
Note: I get asked this frequently so just to repeat I write up these stories from time to time out of personal interest – all the information is in the public domain – I put it together, so it makes sense to me. I am not paid – my main job is covering Bath for Bath Voice News and ICSM of Bridgwater which is about business insolvencies. I have lived in Old Church Road for over 25 years and am married to Linda – our four children went to the local state schools. I’ve always taken an interest in local affairs having worked as a journalist in Somerset for many years.
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