Category: CoreStrategy

In a meeting between representatives of East Coker Parish Council (ECPC), Andy Foyne and Nick Cardnell (25/03/10), reference was made to The Peripheral Landscape Study – Yeovil (September 2008). ECPC has the following extra points to make regarding this document, in addition to previous responses.

Read more in the attached document.

[wpfilebase tag=file path=’ECPC Response to Peripheral Landscape Study1.pdf’]

Comments with regard to the Yeovil SHLAA and Strategic Housing Options Transport Background Paper – May 2009

[wpfilebase tag=file path=’SHLAA (Ltr to SSDC-N Cardnell (23 Nov 2009).pdf’ /]

“With regard to the Peripheral Landscape Study – Yeovil, of September 2008, there are
some points we would like to be considered.”

Read more in the attached letter.

[wpfilebase tag=file path=’Peripheral Landscape Study – Yeovil.pdf’ /]

East Coker Parish Council in considering the CURRENT PROBLEMS of Yeovil such as road congestion, full hospital, schools, poor air quality etc. feel that these will  be made worse by an ‘add-on’ approach to housing development without commensurate improvement in the road system, public transport and other infrastructure and cannot see a realistic solution to the traffic problems.

East Coker Parish Council believes that serious consideration should be given to the idea of a completely new settlement for the following reasons:

1. The number of new dwellings involved equate to a small town.
2. The new site would enable all the issues of sustainability to be incorporated into the design and layout.
3. The site could be situated close to an existing major road/motorway thus avoiding issues of congestion on small roads e.g. Podimore.
4. Other basic infrastructure could be properly planned for as opposed to having potentially inadequate ‘add-on’ facilities.
5. Environment factors and biodiversity issues could be planned for so that the whole would be a pleasant place to live.

It is recognised that residents in general would, quite possibly, not welcome such a development.  However, our perception is that no-one wants the ‘add-on’ approach either, particularly as it seems there are no government plans for improving road networks or other infrastructures to any significant extent.

East Coker Parish Council believes that there is insufficient emphasis on the fact that Somerset is an agricultural county.  Given that there are already food shortages and rising prices of basic foodstuffs, it seems to us that all good quality i.e. grade 1 and 2 agricultural land should be classed as ‘not to be built on at all’ as there will come a time sooner rather than later when all agricultural land will be needed to feed the expanding population.  The most productive land should be safeguarded for that eventuality.

With the above in mind, we also think that any diversification of farms should be reversible i.e. that there are no permanent buildings allowed or activities which would permanently damage the productivity of the land.