North Whitchurch

North Whitchurch Site Option

The site is located in the Green Belt in a sensitive gap between Whitchurch village and the City of Bristol to the north. Any release from the Green Belt and subsequent allocation for development will need to demonstrate exceptional circumstances. To understand and consider the impact of potential development on the Green Belt an assessment of the extent to which different parcels of land serve the five purposes set out in national policy is being undertaken. The emerging Stage 1 Strategic Green Belt Assessment being carried out by WECA will assess the site for its contribution towards meeting the five Green Belt purposes and also whether it meets the definition of grey belt set out in the NPPF and updated Planning Practice Guidance, which is now sequentially preferable to greenfield Green Belt in national policy. The assessment work is ongoing and will inform the Draft Local Plan. It is likely that following the Stage 1 Strategic Green Belt Assessment a more detailed (stage 2) assessment of the impact of development on more specific areas of the Green Belt will also be required.

 

North Whitchurch Site Option – Indicative plan

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North Whitchurch Site Option – Key information

Element	Description
Development opportunities	Provision of around 300-400 homes Development of this site in isolation would not require the delivery of additional primary school places in the Whitchurch area. Located close to the existing village centre, and with good access by active travel modes to facilities located in Whitchurch Bristol. Public realm improvements along the A37 to improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity, with local mobility hub connecting to national cycle route
Constraints	Located in the Green Belt. Secondary school pupils would need to be transported to school at cost to the council, and would not be able to reach school using actives modes. The availability and frequency of public transport services, particularly bus services, is currently dependent on external funding, which is subject to ongoing review and cannot be guaranteed over the plan period. This uncertainty should be taken into account when considering the sustainability and deliverability of this option.
Mitigation	Significant green infrastructure and planting required throughout and along the edge of the development parcels.
DfT current connectivity rating	A – well connected
Further evidence required	Green Belt assessment required to assess impact of removing land from Green Belt, including cumulative impact when considering strategic removal across the district. Evidence to consider secondary school place planning in the Wellsway and Broadlands catchment areas, in combination with other proposed allocations in the area. Air quality assessment

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