Orchard View work underway

In January work started on  the access track and five parking spaces at Orchard View, Falfield which will allow residents to access their properties rather than drive across the grassed area.

This project has been beset with problems and unfortunately a further hold up has occurred due to an error on the plans requiring a new planning application to be drawn up. John O'Neill hopes the track will be completed as soon as possible for the use of residents. An assurance has been given that the development of the two affordable homes on the garage site will not commence until the access track has been completed.

Westerleigh smell update

After residents, the Parish Council and Claire Young met Wessex Water on site in November, the water company took a number of actions. Odour loggers were installed at the discharge points from the Kidney Hill and abattoir pumping stations from 12th Dec to 8th Jan 2013. No hydrogen sulphide was detected at the former but the other logger failed, probably due to being 'drowned out' during high flows in the sewer following extremely heavy rainfall. Wessex will reinstall when the weather improves.

A smell complaint in Newman Close was traced to a cracked pipe and sump which was retaining sewage. This will be replaced. Wessex Water are currently investigating a sewage flooding incident in a garden in the village.

Nibley Lane to close for cleaning Friday

Nibley Lane is expected to close for cleaning from its junction with Badminton Road to its junction with Westerleigh Road on Friday 8th February 2013 from 9.30am until 2.30pm.

Police and Crime Plan roadshow

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens will be visiting South Gloucestershire on Thursday 7 February to find out what local people think should be in the Police and Crime Plan. She will be at the following locations:

10:00 – 12:00 Coniston Community Centre, Patchway

15:00 - 17:00 Hanham Library

You can take part in the consultation online at www.consultation.avonandsomerset.police.uk, pick up a printed survey from local libraries or call 01275 816377. The consultation closes on Friday 22 February 2013.

Wickwar Quarry

CEMEX have agreed to accept a further five year temporary planning application for this quarry. While the historic problems of noise and excessive traffic problems have largely dissipated, this measure combined with the quarry liaison group has given residents who live near the quarry a greater sense of security.

Core Strategy saga continues

The Government Inspector considering South Gloucestershire's planning blueprint for development up to 2027 will be holding another session of the Examination in Public on 7th March in the Kingswood Civic Centre, starting at 10am.

Although South Glos Council has accepted his requirement for 28,355 homes by 2027 it has objected strongly to his request for at least 8,493 of these to be available in the first 5 years. The council has, however, reluctantly put forward extra sites. The session in March would allow public discussion as the Inspector considers whether, if he insists on his requirement, these sites are better than the others considered at the inquiry last summer.

He has specifically mentioned sites at Thornbury, Yate/Chipping Sodbury, Severnside and the East and North Fringes of Bristol. We can't, however, be confident that this is good news for the objectors to the development of Woodlands Farm in Coalpit Heath! Watch this space for more news.

Don't forget - Woodlands Farm drop-in tonight

Tonight (Monday 4th February) Westerleigh Parish Council will be holding a drop-in for parishioners to view and comment on the plans for Woodlands Farm. The drop-in will start at 6.30pm in the Manor Hall and will be followed at 7.30pm by the meeting where they will make their comments on the plans.

Don't forget you can view and comment on the plans on the South Glos website.