The B&NES planning committee has approved the application for access to 270 new homes by the White Post. However, according to one local councillor, despite negotiating nearly £1m of developer contributions, no money has been allocated towards improving walking or cycling access from the new site to the town centre or nearby Somervale School.

The Highways Officer pointed out that there was a new cycle path as far as Charlton Road, but then was unable to explain how residents should continue any journey into town. Deputy Mayor of Midsomer Norton Town Council, Cllr Gordon Mackay who attended the meeting in the Guildhall in Bath, pointed out a crossing was required at St Chad's Avenue so residents from the new development would be able to travel safely to Somervale School which shares a sixth form with Norton Hill. 

Cllr Mackay also highlighted the dangerous 'disappearing' pavement on Silver Street just after the Nature Reserve, arguing that addressing these issues was necessary and directly related to the development. 

Without acknowledging the obvious impediments to residents walking or cycling to key locations in Midsomer Norton, the application instead successfully argued that funds for the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone Cycleway at Old Mills (£392,300.77)  and the Town Park (£488,255) were directly related and necessary for the development to be acceptable.

Speaking in a personal capacity, the Deputy Mayor said, "I find it astonishing that BANES talk about sustainable travel but don't make the case that people should be able to walk or cycle in safety, the short distance into town or to key, nearby locations, such as Somervale School or the Cricket Club.

"Residents travelling to Somervale will either have to walk all the way into town or face a dangerous crossing by the bend at St. Chad's Avenue. The only other option is through the nature reserve where cycling is prohibited and is also narrow and unlit."

The planning meeting is on You Tube HERE . 

Cllr Mackay continued: 'We're not asking for the world, just some safe walking options for residents like a pavement and a crossing which I believe would do far more to mitigate the impact on Silver Street traffic than the projects the funds have actually been allocated to." 

Regarding a proposed crossing at St. Chad's Avenue, the Deputy Mayor said: "It's one of the things most mentioned to me as a councillor, how dangerous crossing this busy section of road is, especially with children needing to get to St. John's Primary. This will surely be made worse by the additional traffic on Silver Street. No wonder so many people think it's safer to take the car."

BANES Highways have been asked to meet with Cllr Mackay and other concerned residents to discuss their concerns.

Details about the proposals and plans are HERE

The housing agreed for the White Post site has been described as meat in the sandwich of local housing plans. Read the Local Democracy Reporter's details on that debate HERE