Keynsham Town Council will not support Taylor Wimpey’s planning application to redevelop the Cadbury factory site at Somerdale until it resolves the single access issue. At a special meeting called last night to consider the Council’s response during the consultation period, members of the public raised repeated concerns over the plan to use the junction with Station Road as the only way in and out of the site which could eventually provide up to 700 new homes, a care home, primary school and the new Fry Club. Residents of Chandos Road and Dryleaze would also have to use the junction for vehicle access.
By sheer coincidence, temporary traffic signals had to be erected at the junction of Avon Mill Lane on the same day as the meeting causing tailbacks in all directions. One person present at the meeting claimed they had taken 35 minutes to drive from Willsbridge during the middle of the day. Concerns were also raised over outline plans for a convenience store and pharmacy on the site in view of the proximity to the High Street while some concerns were raised over likely insurance implications for eventual householders at Somerdale given the flood risk.
In Issue 270 we reported that subsequent to the application being lodged, B&NES Council was holding further discussions with Taylor Wimpey, having publicly stated that a single access would not be acceptable. The Council Highways Officer has now formally objected to the proposals, challenging many of the traffic projections provided by the developer and stating that quite simply, a single access point will not work. The deadline for public comment on the proposal is 10th June. The planning reference is: 13/01780/EOUT
