Update #19
What’s going on with the planning application?
If you’re short of time, the headline is we are still waiting for a date for the planning committee meeting.
But read on to find out why and also what you can to do help……
What's the delay?
Other big applications: We thought the plans would go to council at the end of April but the massive Bristol Zoo application superseded us and pushed us down the list. For those of you who haven't heard - plans for 200 flats on the old Zoo site were voted through despite huge opposition.
An old oak tree: Also what’s held things up is an argument over a 250 year old oak tree on the site. This oak is so old and precious it's considered to be a ‘veteran’ tree, meaning it gets special protection. The developers tried to argue it was not a ‘veteran’ tree and wanted to chop it down to build a spa. The council insisted it should be protected. The developers have now marginally reduced the size of the spa building although we are not sure how much this will affect the health of the tree. Sadly, there are still too many other protected trees they want to fell in other parts of the site.
When’s it likely to go before councillors?
The next scheduled planning committees are
May 31st at 2pm &
June 28th at 6pm.
We think we will be heard during one of these.
A week before these meetings, the decision by planning officers is made public - either to recommend or refuse the application. Then it’s up to the councillors on the committee called Development Control A to debate and finally decide.
We will let you know as soon as we hear anything.
What can I do to help?
Lots! Here are a few ways…
Come along and support us at the meeting. You can sit in the public gallery at the council and witness the decision process as well as support those who’ll be standing up to speak - some for the first time ever. We’d love you to be there with us!
You can speak yourself at the council meeting - don’t worry, we can let you know how and when.
You can submit a statement to the council meeting - it's a direct way of letting the councillors know what you think and can be very powerful. You can only do this in the few days before the meeting - again we will let you know when and how.
You can write to your local councillor and let them know how you feel.
You can be active on social media to get our messages out there - if you don't follow our twitter or instagram - join up now
Please let us know if you'd like to be involved in the meeting and we will support you. We would love a range of voices from across the community - so get in touch now.
As soon as we get advance notice of the date of the meeting we will let you know and also give more detail about submitting a statement if you wish to do so.
Thank you to all of you for your continued interest and support.