The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), updated on 12th December 2024, emphasises sustainable development as the cornerstone of the planning system. Chapter 2 highlights the need for environmental protection, prudent resource use, and careful alignment of development with local circumstances. Based on these principles, the inclusion of three sites in Hanham—Castle Inn Farm, Land south of Abbots Road, and “The Batch”—in South Gloucestershire Council’s draft Local Plan should be reconsidered. Here’s why these sites are unsustainable for development.
1. Green Belt Land Protection
All three sites lie within the designated Green Belt, a vital planning tool to prevent urban sprawl and safeguard the countryside. Paragraph 11 of the NPPF clearly states that policies protecting areas of particular importance, such as Green Belt land, provide strong grounds for restricting development. The loss of Green Belt land undermines its purpose of maintaining the character and openness of the area.
2. Proximity to Ancient Woodland
These sites are adjacent to areas of ancient woodland, which are irreplaceable habitats critical for biodiversity. Development in such proximity risks damaging these ecosystems, contravening the environmental objectives of the NPPF (paragraph 8c). Protecting ancient woodland is essential for preserving local biodiversity and mitigating climate change.
3. Location in Green Infrastructure Corridor F
South Gloucestershire Council identifies these sites within Green Infrastructure Corridor F, a network designed to connect natural habitats, enhance biodiversity, and provide recreational spaces for communities. Developing these sites would disrupt the corridor, harming ecological connectivity and the environmental benefits it provides.
4. Impact on Historic Assets
Castle Inn Farmhouse and West Hanham House, both Grade II listed buildings, are located near these proposed development sites. Any construction risks compromising the historical and cultural significance of these properties, contrary to the NPPF’s commitment to protecting the built and historic environment (paragraph 8c).
5. Potential Roman Villa Site
Evidence suggests a possible extensive Roman villa behind West Hanham House. Disturbing this site would represent a significant loss to the area’s archaeological heritage, further underscoring the unsuitability of these sites for development.
6. Loss of Agricultural Land
“The Batch” is actively used for food production, with maize cultivated for over a decade. Converting agricultural land to housing contradicts the NPPF’s call to use natural resources prudently and maintain land for sustainable purposes (paragraph 8c).
7. Poor Accessibility to Services
All three sites are too far from bus stops and essential facilities, such as supermarkets. This lack of connectivity would increase reliance on cars, exacerbating carbon emissions and traffic congestion. The NPPF emphasises locating development where it minimises travel demand and promotes a low-carbon economy (paragraph 8c).
8. Mismatch with Employment Opportunities
The East Fringe of Bristol, where these sites are located, has low employment levels compared to the North Fringe, which hosts a thriving aerospace industry. Building homes far from employment hubs forces longer commutes, adding to unsustainable travel patterns and undermining the social and economic objectives of the NPPF (paragraph 8a).
Conclusion
The NPPF requires local plans to reflect the character, needs, and opportunities of each area while promoting sustainable development (paragraph 9). The inclusion of Castle Inn Farm, Land south of Abbots Road, and “The Batch” in the draft Local Plan conflicts with the environmental, social, and economic objectives outlined in Chapter 2 of the NPPF.
To protect Hanham’s unique heritage, environment, and community, we request South Gloucestershire Council to remove these sites from the draft Local Plan. Development should prioritise truly sustainable locations, preserving our Green Belt for future generations.
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