Homes planned near Yate where ‘future residents must drive everywhere’
The plans have faced criticism from South Gloucestershire councillors
Plans for 20 new homes in the countryside near Yate have faced criticism from councillors who say future residents would have to drive everywhere. A key part of South Gloucestershire Council’s transport ambitions is to get more people walking, cycling and using public transport.
But by building homes away from shops, schools, jobs and other destinations, future occupants could end up driving a car to get anywhere they need to go. Cotswold Homes is applying to the council for planning permission to build the homes on North Road, north of Engine Common.
Councillors on the development management committee will vote on Thursday, August 7, whether to grant permission for the new homes. Liberal Democrat Councillor Tristan Clark referred the application to the committee because of the lack of nearby public services.
In his referral, he said: “There are a few amenities in the village of Engine namely a public house and a primary school. For all other day-to-day amenities, including employment, shops and medical facilities, the occupants of the new properties would be heavily reliant upon their private motor vehicle to access Thornbury, Yate or further afield.
“Over the last decade the population in Engine Common, Rangeworthy and Ladden Garden Village has significantly increased. The nearest rural primary schools are relatively small and close to or at capacity. Construction of a new primary school in Ladden Garden Village is not set to begin until 2027 and would not open until 2028 at the earliest.”
Several neighbours living nearby have also objected to the plans, writing to the council about their concerns over the lack of public transport and oversubscribed schools. Flooding is another concern.
One neighbour said: “The traffic going down this road is already excessive. The school is already over subscribed. There is no decent public transport here either, so by building further houses you are simply encouraging more people to use cars. I thought councils want to move away from this?”
Seven of the 20 new homes would be classed as affordable housing, with five of these for social rent and two for shared ownership. The site is within walking and cycling distance of schools and a pub, but there is no bus stop nearby. Yate train station is 1.3 miles away, with links to Bristol and Gloucester. The homes would be built on pastures used for grazing animals.
In planning documents, architects said: “The proposal is believed to be entirely in keeping with the area drawing on the form and architectural style that reflects the wider residential aesthetic. The proposal will provide a distinctive and sustainable development in terms of construction, accommodation and layout.”