Speaking out on housing plans

Last Monday plans for 2,600 homes at Yate and Chipping Sodbury and 1,800 at Coalpit Heath were discussed by the West of England Joint Committee in Bath. Local councillors Claire Young and Pat Hockey attended, with Claire speaking out on the plans. Despite the concerns raised, and despite both the Leader of North Somerset and the Mayor of Bristol saying they hadn't had time to read the document, the West of England leaders voted to recommend the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) to the four councils.

The BBC asked if anyone would be available for filming the next day in Coalpit Heath. They were expecting one or two people and were astonished by the crowd that turned out at such short notice. They were left in no doubt about the level of concern and while they were there also filmed the danger signs around the old mine shaft that has been fenced off in the corner of the field.

The Joint Spatial Plan will be considered by the South Glos Cabinet at 2pm today and then by all councillors at a meeting at 7pm on Wednesday 8th November in Kingswood Civic Centre. Members of the public are welcome to attend.

If South Glos and the other three councils all approve the JSP for consultation, you will be able to have your say from 22nd November to 10th January. We'll give you more information on how to do this when the consultation starts. 

Click to support Paul's Place

Coalpit Heath-based charity Paul's Place for physically disabled adults has been nominated for the Lloyds Community Fund Award 2013 and they need your votes! You can vote for them:

• Online – www.lloydsbank.com/communityfund - You may find it easiest to use the "Search for a good cause" button and put in the postcode BS36 2TT
• By text - text the word VOTE and MQQD to 61119 
• In person at a Lloyds branch – ask in branch for a voting token

You have until 1st November to vote.

Find out more about Paul's Place here

Badminton Road surface repairs

Many residents are concerned about the state of Badminton Road through Coalpit Heath, a major commuting route from our area. Not only is the uneven surface dangerous, it also increases the noise of passing lorries. Claire Young has met officers on site several times to discuss residents' concerns.

In August, officers carried out a “walk through” of Badminton Road. They have highlighted three areas of priority:

• Priority 1 – Area on dual carriageway section heading towards the A4174.
• Priority 2 – Area from Frog Lane to Woodside Road.
• Priority 3 – Sporadic areas through Coalpit Heath including the section from Beesmoor Road to the viaduct.

They do not believe they will be able to get all three priorities completed in this financial year, although they can not be sure of the exact costs at this stage. They have already been tackling priority 1.