South Gloucestershire | Archive | 2005 | September | 9
From the archive, first published Friday 9th Sep 2005.
RESIDENTS fighting plans for a housing estate on the site of Almondsbury's derelict Hortham Hospital have again voiced their exasperartion with local councillors.
Members of the Hortham Residents Group say they are at a loss to know why Almondsbury Parish Counciol has so far failed to take a stance on proposals by Barratt Homes and Taylor Woodrow Homes for 300 homes on the 22.5 acre site in Hortham Lane.
A public meeting last month ended with heated recriminations after parish chairman Sheila Cook warned that, according to legal advice, the council was unable a formal view on the development until a formal planning application had been submitted.
To do otherwise, she said, could prejudice its ability to adopt a view once the plans were published.
In a statement on behalf of residents at Tuesday's council meeting Hortham resident Jacqueline Stanway said the council already knew enough to take a position.
"You have attended meetings with Highways Department, presided over several public meetings on the issue and should be in no doubt as to the views of both the residents' group and the broad community of Almondsbury on this matter," she said. "We are confused as to what it is you are waiting for."
Cllr Cooks said legal advice had been given and she had passed it on to the meeting.
"As individuals and parish councillors we can continue to express our views," she said. "But the council as a whole should not make a decision about Hortham until the application comes in.
"We have to be really carefully about not predudicing our position."
An earlier application for housing on the site was rejected by Government planning chiefs on sustainability grounds. Residents say nothing has changed and the site remains totally unsuitable because of traffic impact, lack of community and educational provision and drainage and power supply problems.
Residents claimed this week that talks had already taken place between developers and planning chiefs and that the development was "cut and dried".
Said Cllr Cook: "I can say honestly and truthfully that I know of no discussions taking place behind closed doors.
"We are trying to get this matter right on your behalf and we are trying to do it honestly and fairly."
The council is to contact to developers following reports that the homes are already being advertised.
© Newsquest Media Group 2008