Policies, Sites and Places update

At Policy and Resources committee this afternoon, the majority of the committee voted for the Policies, Sites and Places plan to go forward to Council on Wednesday.

It was agreed that more time was needed to consult local people on the Local Green Spaces before the council can decide the final list of sites to be put forward. This means you will have another opportunity to comment on sites like Woodlands Farm.

Claire Young explained how important all of the Green Belt in Westerleigh ward is to local people, and therefore voted against the plan because the Gypsy and Traveller site policies would take land out of the Green Belt. She also defended local residents who had opposed extra housing in Westerleigh after a public speaker at today's meeting intimated that there had been "mob rule" at the Parish Council meeting where the decision was made to drop the proposals.

If Council approves the plan for submission to the Inspector on Wednesday, there will be a six week consultation period on the plan, with responses being passed to the Inspector. This will be your final opportunity to make representations if you are unhappy with what South Glos Council proposes.

In parallel, South Glos will run a consultation on the Local Green Spaces, with responses going to the council not the Inspector. The council will need more evidence of the special importance of a piece of land to the local community before it can be designated.

We will let you know how to respond to both these consultations at the time.