Hedgehogs Site Option
The Hedgehogs site at Pagans Hill in Chew Stoke is located in the north of the village and has the potential to provide 20 – 30 homes. The land is currently in agricultural use but could be released from the Green Belt following further assessment if the case can be robustly justified.
Chew Stoke is a rural village in the Chew Valley, known for its attractive landscape setting and proximity to Chew Valley Lake. The village has a moderate range of services and facilities, including a primary school, secondary school, medical practice, and community amenities. Despite these strengths, Chew Stoke has a comparatively low connectivity score due to limited public transport and its distance from major employment centres.
The village is washed over by the Green Belt, which restricts development to infill or redevelopment of previously developed land. However, under the revised NPPF, land that meets the definition of “Grey Belt” may offer limited opportunities for proportionate growth, subject to further assessment.
A site to the north of Chew Stoke been identified for proportionate growth in the village. The site is adjacent to the existing built form and lies close to key services, including the primary and secondary schools, health centre, and bus stops. The site is currently in agricultural use and is classified as Grade 1 in DEFRA mapping, indicating it is among the best and most versatile agricultural land. Any allocation would be strictly limited and subject to robust justification, with a focus on minimising land loss and ensuring that development is only supported where there is clear evidence that no reasonable alternative exists.
Chew Stoke is also washed over by the Green Belt. To allocate this site, it would need to be removed from the Green Belt through the local plan, supported by a Green Belt assessment and demonstration of exceptional circumstances. This will include assessing whether the site meets the definition of Grey Belt under the revised NPPF and a potential opportunity for release.
The site could accommodate between 20-30 homes, with a focus on affordable provision and the potential to improve access to the adjacent cricket club, enhancing local recreational infrastructure. Development would need to be carefully designed to respect the village’s topography and character, in line with the Chew Valley Neighbourhood Plan, which emphasises locally sensitive, sustainable growth.
Connectivity scores shown in the site option plan below are based on the Department for Transport’s A–J grading, where A is the highest within B&NES.
Hedgehogs Site Option – Indicative plan
Click to enlarge
Hedgehogs Site Option – Key information
| Element | Description |
| Development opportunities |
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| Constraints |
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| Mitigation |
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| DfT current connectivity rating |
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| Further evidence required |
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