As you will have seen from the website at https://hartwellbathplans.wordpress.com we have organised a campaign to oppose the over development of the former Hartwells site on Newbridge Road. They are proposing 104 studio-type apartments and 186 student beds, just when the city has maxed out on student accommodation and does not need any more.
Following our activity there were 275 objections to the proposals on the planning portal, covering issues ranging from density and massing, the lack of affordable housing, too much short term rental accommodation, lack of need for student housing and lack of family and much much more. Following this in March 2020 the Council Planning Committee overruled the council officers' recommendation and the scheme was REJECTED.
But these developers have deep pockets and have appealed. They have requested the most expensive and long-winded method of appeal, via a public enquiry chaired by a senior Planning Inspector. This is scheduled to last 8 days starting 16th February 2021, via zoom. We will use our website to post details of how you can participate in due course. The developers have hired one of the most expensive and senior barristers specialising in planning law. The council have been forced to hire their own barrister. In our view this is a catastrophic waste of public money in these trying times, and is further evidence that these developers don't care!
Following discussion, our group has also felt obliged to hire a professional to represent the arguments and views of local residents at the enquiry. We have found a way to do this at low cost by hiring for just a few days of the enquiry the planning consultant who has been brilliant in helping us so far (he has unique local knowledge as he used to lead the planning team at BathNES). This is much cheaper than hiring a barrister. But, with time taken to prepare our case and help scrutinise the Council's case to ensure it represents local opinion ,this is going to cost several thousand pounds more.
Please support us if you can. We know these are trying times and many people are struggling financially. Don't worry if you can't give money, moral support is greatly appreciated; keep following developments on the website.
We are still confident that this proposal will be rejected. But we must remain organised and use all the expertise at our disposal.
If we raise any extra money, then we will put it to local community causes, such as recreational or health facilities.
Following our activity there were 275 objections to the proposals on the planning portal, covering issues ranging from density and massing, the lack of affordable housing, too much short term rental accommodation, lack of need for student housing and lack of family and much much more. Following this in March 2020 the Council Planning Committee overruled the council officers' recommendation and the scheme was REJECTED.
But these developers have deep pockets and have appealed. They have requested the most expensive and long-winded method of appeal, via a public enquiry chaired by a senior Planning Inspector. This is scheduled to last 8 days starting 16th February 2021, via zoom. We will use our website to post details of how you can participate in due course. The developers have hired one of the most expensive and senior barristers specialising in planning law. The council have been forced to hire their own barrister. In our view this is a catastrophic waste of public money in these trying times, and is further evidence that these developers don't care!
Following discussion, our group has also felt obliged to hire a professional to represent the arguments and views of local residents at the enquiry. We have found a way to do this at low cost by hiring for just a few days of the enquiry the planning consultant who has been brilliant in helping us so far (he has unique local knowledge as he used to lead the planning team at BathNES). This is much cheaper than hiring a barrister. But, with time taken to prepare our case and help scrutinise the Council's case to ensure it represents local opinion ,this is going to cost several thousand pounds more.
Please support us if you can. We know these are trying times and many people are struggling financially. Don't worry if you can't give money, moral support is greatly appreciated; keep following developments on the website.
We are still confident that this proposal will be rejected. But we must remain organised and use all the expertise at our disposal.
If we raise any extra money, then we will put it to local community causes, such as recreational or health facilities.
Co-organizers4
Alan Champneys
Organizer