HANHAM DISTRICT GREEN BELT CONSERVATION SOCIETY
ABOUT US
We are an inclusive group, active in the conservation of the green spaces of Hanham and our surrounding areas.
Our Society represents a group of approximately 200 paid-up members who are concerned to maintain the characteristics of the areas of Hanham, Hanham Abbots and Longwell Green, on the edge of the conurbation of Bristol.
Our Green Belt area, surrounding Hanham/Longwell Green is one of just 14 Green Belt designated areas in England and contains protected woodland as well as the historic building of Hanham Court which is included in the Domesday Book.
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Green Belt areas are collectively accessible to more than half of England’s population — it’s where those from urban communities are able to ‘get away’ from the stresses and strains of urban life — it’s fresh air, open spaces, changing vistas, all of which contribute to these areas being essential to our physical health and wellbeing.
It is our aim to maintain these wonderful assets.
How can you help? If you care about this area of Bristol please consider joining the Society
Our voice is stronger the more members we have. An application form can be downloaded from the Membership page
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OUR STORY
The Society was formed in 1981 with the objective of safeguarding the Green Belt in the Hanham area of Bristol, together with the adjoining green fields and the Avon Valley. We strongly believe that these areas are vital to the quality of life of residents of this District as well as making the area attractive to many others. If these areas are lost, they will be lost forever and the quality of life diminished.
The Society has established links with English Partnerships, English Heritage, The Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment and we are affiliated to the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
A little known fact for most people is that there are only 14 Green Belts across England. Most open spaces that people travel through in the countryside is NOT protected. However, the Society is not against development per se; our role is to ensure the preservation and maintenance of the Green Belt and Open Spaces for future generations.
We have approximately 200 members, who pay an annual subscription of £10 per household. The Society produces a newsletter three or four times a year and makes use of Facebook and Twitter to keep members advised of issues that have arisen or may require action.
The Society holds an AGM every November which is open to all members where the committee is elected and the year’s business and future issues are discussed.
We comment on relevant planning applications and if necessary address council development control committee meetings or full council meetings. We also attend planning appeals and, where appropriate, present evidence.
During our existence we have opposed many planned developments which could have seen the Green Belt significantly changed or lost. Below are listed just some of the major applications which the Society has campaigned against:
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It would be pretentious to claim that all these achievements are solely down to the Society, but the fact remains that we are the main agency in nearly all of these issues and, without our involvement, we may no longer have any of the protected areas left.
If you care about this area please consider joining the Society. Our voice is stronger the more members we have.
CURRENT CAMPAIGN
THE BATCH, HANHAM
We are delighted that South Gloucestershire Council has refused speculative outline planning application P23/01330/O in no uncertain terms. We are aware, however, that the applicant team still has options available, including appealing the decision. We are also concerned that SGC continues to include The Batch and Land at Castle Inn Farm in its draft local plan, despite its own Sustainability Assessment listing many reasons against development. We will continue to be vigilant and keep the local community and interested stakeholders informed of developments and any action that needs to be taken.
We would like to thank everyone who objected to the applicant team's proposals. Together, we made a difference!
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CONTACT
Please complete the Contact form below to:
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Offer your help to the committee
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Submit an article for the newsletter
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Inform us of your e-mail address
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Let us know if you would like to receive your newsletters via e-mail
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Offer your help with our stall at the Hanham Common Fayre
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Request further information
