Combe Down Ward

New Web Site

2008-03-16T19:49:00.005Z

Cherry and I now have a new web site. As well as our normal posts and links there are a number of other pages including information about local services. We are happy to add to this local directory. The new web address is www.combedown.mycouncillor.org.uk

Glasshouse Field under threat.

2008-02-15T08:43:00.003Z

Residents living in Southstoke Road and Midford Road, whose back gardens back on to the field were surprised to receive a letter from the Council asking them to sign a licence for the long standing use of their back gates into the field.

For as long as many can remember some residents have had access into the field without any problem. This action coincides with rumours of the departure of Old Culverhaysians Rugby Club from the field and the £20m sale of the field for development.

Local councillors were kept in the dark about the future of the field and asked Cllr Malcolm Hanney (Conservative Cabinet Member for Resources) to ‘set the record straight’ and confirm that there are no plans to sell off Glasshouse Fields.

Cllr Hanney's response is as follows:
"This has been subject to quite a lot of local speculation for the last few months. Property Services have no plans to take such a proposal forward. The school do have ambitions to create a sporting "hub" which, as far as we understand it, centre on Odd Down Playing Fields; which are closer to the school than Glasshouse, but there have been no discussions, to our knowledge about selling off this field.

Property Services are, as part of the review of the estate, trying to sort out a lot of illegal openings on to this and other school fields/open spaces by, initially seeking to formalise them by use of licence or, if they don't agree to such a licence, seeking to block them up. This is good estate management practice.

There is, unfortunately, no way that this authority can make undertakings as to the future of school premises. Under the provisions of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998, any school may make an application for Foundation status. Several of the secondary schools in BANES have applied for such status and it is possible that some or all of the remaining secondary schools will follow suit.

If this happens, all school property assets transfer to the School. They are then able to deal with their land in a way that they see as being to their best benefit. In the case of Hayesfield a decision was made to sell off their detached playing field. The Council has very limited say in these decisions."

So the field is safe for now, but in the longer term Culverhay School, if it became a foundation school, could sell it off. However, they would have to get permission from Sport England to sell off playing fields.

We would like to know whether the Council has the right to block up these entrances that have been used for years. There is certainly not enough information contained in the letter to residents. Our view is that local residents should consider setting up their own Friends of Glasshouse Field, to look at how they can protect the Field in the future.

Latest Planning Applications

2008-02-06T17:47:00.000Z

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 08/00237/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 16th January 2008 Expiry Date: 12th March 2008
Location: The St Andrew Centre Hawthorn Grove Combe Down Bath BA2 5QA
Grid Ref: (E)374924 - (N)162366 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a new single storey Community Church containing meeting rooms, cafe, kitchen and office
Officer: David Audsley
Applicant: Ms Rosie Coates
Agent: Hetreed Ross
Combe Down PCC
Holy Trinity Church Office EI Nido
The Avenue
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5NE
Attika Workspace
Bath Brewery
Toll Bridge Road
Bath
BA1 7DE

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 08/00272/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 1st February 2008 Expiry Date: 28th March 2008
Location: 79 - 81 Bradford Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5BP
Grid Ref: (E)375014 - (N)162282 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Provision of new white powder coated aluminium shop frontage and relocation of existing entrance door and replacement air conditioning plant
Officer: Neil Harvey
Applicant: Co-operative Group Limited
Agent: Kendall Kingscott Ltd
Design And Services Dept
Co-op Store
Wyndham Way
Portishead
Bristol
BS20 8LR
Glentworth Court
Lime Kiln Close
Stoke Gifford
Bristol
BS34 8SR

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 08/00042/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 15th January 2008 Expiry Date: 11th March 2008
Location: 5 Stonehouse Lane Combe Down Bath BA2 5DW
Grid Ref: (E)375744 - (N)162575 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a two storey and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing extension and installation of front and rear dormers (Resubmission)
Officer: David Cox
Applicant: Ms J Glen
Agent: A W Francis
2 Old Derry Hill
Calne
SN11 9PJ
35 Seend
Cleeve
Melksham
SN12 6PU

Mines Mayhem

2008-01-23T18:49:00.000Z

On the face of it there is little to be seen of the Combe Down Stone Mines infilling operation above ground, but if you live on the fringes of the mines area in places like Combe Road and North Road, no one is able to say with any certainty what the ground at the edge of the mine under your house is like. Stabilisation here is very much a 'voyage of discovery'.

During the last few days we have felt some of the real impact that has been visited on many people on the fringes of the mines in Combe Down over the past couple of years. Here at 22 we have had some new cracks appear and those already in evidence widen, but some of the inconvenience and disruption visited on our neighbours has been absent - until now! Even now we have not had too many problems inside, but outside our garden fits in well with the mess of neighbours gardens. The miners are drilling to verify whether houses here have been stabilised and in so doing they have reduced the garden to a sticky, muddy mess.

However, we are conscious that this has to be done if we are to receive one of the coveted "Completion Statements", signifying that stabilisation is complete. The chaos and mess that the gardens are in, to the west of Combe Road from the junction with North Road to the lane going to number 32, has to be seen to be believed. It is a leap of faith to believe that the gardens will ever recover, but we are assured (and I believe it) that soon everything will be back to normal. For us that means the fence between us and our neighbours , the broken pane of glass in the greenhouse replaced and the surface of the garden restored.
However, the inconvenience and disruption that many local people have suffered must be worth the end result of the stabilisation of the Mines.

The photo shows the state of our back garden today!

Latest Planning Applications

2008-01-22T14:12:00.001Z

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 08/00042/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 15th January 2008 Expiry Date: 11th March 2008
Location: 5 Stonehouse Lane Combe Down Bath BA2 5DW
Grid Ref: (E)375744 - (N)162575 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a two storey and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing extension and installation of front and rear dormers (Resubmission)
Officer: David Cox
Applicant: Ms J Glen
Agent: A W Francis
2 Old Derry Hill
Calne
SN11 9PJ
35 Seend
Cleeve
Melksham
SN12 6PU

Latest Planning Applications

2008-01-14T12:51:00.001Z

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 08/00064/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 24th December 2007 Expiry Date: 18th February 2008
Location: 21 Down Avenue Combe Down Bath BA2 5QH
Grid Ref: (E)375058 - (N)162360 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of new dwelling as extension to terrace between nos 21 and 23
Officer: Mark Reynolds
Applicant: Mr P Stroud
Agent: LPC (Trull) Ltd
C/o Agent
Trull
Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8SQ

Nick Clegg is new Liberal Democrat Leader

2007-12-19T10:24:00.000Z

Yesterday the results of the Lib Dem leadership election were announced. Nick Clegg won by the surprisingly narrow margin of 500 votes. After much heartsearching I had voted for Chris Huhne, but both were excellent candidates. Below is an extract from Nick Clegg's acceptance speech:

"Above all, our politics is broken. Out of touch with people. Out of touch with the modern world. And that is why I have one simple ambition: to change Britain to make it the liberal country I believe the British people want it to be.

I want a new politics, a people's politics. I want to live in a country where rights, freedoms and privacy are not the playthings of politicians, but safeguarded for everyone.

Where political life is not a Westminster village freak show, but open, accessible, and helpful in people's everyday lives.
Where parents, pupils and patients are can take charge of our schools and hospitals. Where fine words on the environment are finally turned into real action.
Where social mobility becomes a reality once again, where no one is condemned by the circumstances of their birth.

Why have we stopped imagining a better society? Look at what we've got. Labour and the Conservatives have governed in the same way: top-down and centralising. I simply refuse to believe that the only alternative to a clapped-out Labour government is a Conservative Party that has no answers to the big issues - environmentalism without substance, social justice without money, internationalism without Europe.

The challenge for my party is clear and simple: to define a liberal alternative to the discredited politics of Big Government.

I want to open up my party, open up Westminster, and open up politics for good. To lead well, a leader needs to listen.
That's why I will hold regular, public Town Hall meetings.
That's why I want to open up the Liberal Democrats to give people who support us, but aren't party members, a say on the big issues.
That's why I will spend at least one day every week listening and campaigning outside Westminster.
That's why I will set up a network of families, who have nothing to do with party politics, in every region of this country so they can tell me what my priorities should be.

If you once voted for us but you think we've spent too much time focusing on ourselves, if you once voted for the Conservative Party but have no idea what they stand for any more, if you once voted for the Labour Party but feel let down by 10 years of disappointment. If you've given up voting altogether, but still care about the world we live in then a newly united, energetic and optimistic Liberal Democrat party is the party for you."

Old School Playground Planning Application

2007-12-12T10:17:00.000Z

Below is the second application for the old School Playground - the first was withdrawn. Tyning Road residents might like to inspect the plans at Trimbridge House or on the Bath and North East Somerset web site. this application looks better than the first. The Old Playground is now to become a garden. Let Cherry or me know your views.

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03537/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 3rd December 2007 Expiry Date: 28th January 2008
Location: Old Tennis Courts Church Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5JN
Grid Ref: (E)376176 - (N)162398 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Change of use of former playground to garden for No 1 Alexandra Place and the formation of a vehicular access and parking area (resubmission)
Officer: Tessa Hampden
Applicant: Mr And Mrs Pollock
Agent: Windsor And Leaman
Combe Cottage
52 The Hill
Great Witley
Worcs
WR6 6HX
35 Oakfield Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 2AT

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03625/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 29th November 2007 Expiry Date: 24th January 2008
Location: 55A North Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5DF
Grid Ref: (E)375845 - (N)162605 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of two storey rear extension
Officer: Richard Stott
Applicant: Natalie Jiggins & Guy Woods
Agent: Llewellyn Harker Architects
55A North Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5DF

Home Farm
East Pennard
Shepton Mallet
BA4 6TT

Latest Planning Applications

2007-12-03T18:11:00.000Z

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03244/OUT
Parish: N/A
Registered: 21st November 2007 Expiry Date: 16th January 2008
Location: Homefield Fox Hill Combe Down Bath BA2 5QN
Grid Ref: (E)375289 - (N)162506 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a pair of semi-detached houses following demolition of existing bungalow
Officer: Rachel Le Huray
Applicant: Mr & Mrs R Sherwood
Agent: Hurst Associates
Little House
Lyncombe Vale Road
Bath
BA2 4LP
22 Newbridge Road
Bath
BA1 3JZ

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03461/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 27th November 2007 Expiry Date: 22nd January 2008
Location: 102 Queen's Drive Combe Down Bath BA2 5PE
Grid Ref: (E)375190 - (N)162770 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of an extension and conversion to 2no. self-contained flats
Officer: Rachel Le Huray
Applicant: Mr Anton Tomov
Agent: Brian Kirby Design
102 Queen's Drive
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5PE

9 Pipsmore Road
Chippenham
Wilts
SN14 0LB

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03497/AR
Parish: N/A
Registered: 29th November 2007 Expiry Date: 24th January 2008
Location: Co-Operative Retail Services Ltd 79 - 81 Bradford Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5BP
Grid Ref: (E)375014 - (N)162282 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Provision of one internally illuminated fascia sign and one double-sided projecting sign
Officer: Hazel Short
Applicant: CWS Retail Financial Services
Agent: Futurama Ltd
Hanover Buildings
PO Box 53
New Century House
Manchester
Olympia House
Metro Park 45
Middleton Grove
Leeds
LS11 5TY

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03566/REG03
Parish: N/A
Registered: 22nd November 2007 Expiry Date: 17th January 2008
Location: 199A Bradford Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5BT
Grid Ref: (E)375574 - (N)162420 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Change of use from hairdressers to public information centre to be used for two and a half days each week by Combe Down Stone Mines Stabilisation Project
Officer: Rebecca Roberts
Applicant: Combe Down Stone Mines Project
Agent: No Agent
Redevelopment And Major Projects
10 Palace Yard Nmews
Bath
BA1 2NH

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03572/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 27th November 2007 Expiry Date: 22nd January 2008
Location: 76 Priory Close Combe Down Bath BA2 5AP
Grid Ref: (E)375943 - (N)162925 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a double garage, single storey extension, two storey extensions and front porch following demolition of existing front porch and detached single garage
Officer: Hazel Short
Applicant: Dr & Mrs Richard Ross
Agent: Esmond Murray Architects Ltd
76 Priory Close
Bath
BA2 5AP
21 Van Diemen's Lane
Bath
BA1 5TW

Latest Planning Applications

2007-11-30T15:22:00.000Z

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03318/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 14th November 2007 Expiry Date: 9th January 2008
Location: 6 Claverton Drive Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AJ
Grid Ref: (E)377739 - (N)163173 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of conservatory to rear
Officer: Richard Stott
Applicant: Mr K Embleton
Agent: J H Leeke And Son Ltd
6 Claverton Drive
Claverton Down
Bath
BA2 7AJ

Unit 1
Mwyndy Business Park
Cardiff Road
Pontyclun
Rhondda
Cynon Taff.
CF72 8PN

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03393/REG03
Parish: N/A
Registered: 8th November 2007 Expiry Date: 3rd January 2008
Location: Foxhill Community Centre Hawthorn Grove Combe Down Bath BA2 5QA
Grid Ref: (E)374912 - (N)162345 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of single storey 1 bay extension and new ramped access to existing 'Elliott' temporary accommodation
Officer: Mark Reynolds
Applicant: Bath And North East Somerset Council
Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03481/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 15th November 2007 Expiry Date: 10th January 2008
Location: 31 Southstoke Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5SN
Grid Ref: (E)374778 - (N)162059 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension
Officer: Richard Dale
Applicant: Mr & Mrs M Straw
Agent: No Agent
31 Southstoke Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5SN

Agent: Support Services (Bath & NE Somerset Council)
Children's Services
Riverside
Keynsham
BS31 1LA
Northgate House
Upper Borough Walls
Bath
BA1 1RG

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03418/CLEU
Parish: N/A
Registered: 8th November 2007 Expiry Date: 3rd January 2008
Location: 154 North Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5DL
Grid Ref: (E)376328 - (N)162670 LB Grade: II
Proposal: Use as dwelling/garage and storage
Officer: Neil Harvey

Lib Dem Leadership Election

2007-11-19T17:46:00.000Z

As you will appreciate I've been following our Leadership Election for some weeks now and I went to Bristol to see a good debate between two excellent candidates last Tuesday. Over the weeks both candidates, Chris Huhne and Nick Clegg have been positive, praised each other and said that whoever wins will give the loser a prominent place in the Lib Dem shadow cabinet. Some differences have emerged over policy, with Chris Huhne challenging Nick Clegg to clarify his views on education and on the Trident nuclear system.

In my view both have their strengths. Chris Huhne has articulated policies that I agree with, but Nick is the more relaxed and confident performer at the hustings. I have still not decided who I shall be voting for. I do hope that they both continue to be positive in trying to tell members why they would be the better leader of the Party and then take the Party forward under a new Leader chosen by members.

Whoever wins will be good news for the Liberal Democrats.

Latest Planning Applications

2007-11-19T17:18:00.000Z

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03318/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 14th November 2007 Expiry Date: 9th January 2008
Location: 6 Claverton Drive Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AJ
Grid Ref: (E)377739 - (N)163173 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of conservatory to rear
Officer: Richard Stott
Applicant: Mr K Embleton
Agent: J H Leeke And Son Ltd
6 Claverton Drive
Claverton Down
Bath
BA2 7AJ

Unit 1
Mwyndy Business Park
Cardiff Road
Pontyclun
Rhondda
Cynon Taff.
CF72 8PN

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03393/REG03
Parish: N/A
Registered: 8th November 2007 Expiry Date: 3rd January 2008
Location: Foxhill Community Centre Hawthorn Grove Combe Down Bath BA2 5QA
Grid Ref: (E)374912 - (N)162345 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of single storey 1 bay extension and new ramped access to existing 'Elliott' temporary accommodation
Officer: Mark Reynolds
Applicant: Bath And North East Somerset Council
Agent: Support Services (Bath & NE Somerset Council)
Children's Services
Riverside
Keynsham
BS31 1LA
Northgate House
Upper Borough Walls
Bath
BA1 1RG

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03418/CLEU
Parish: N/A
Registered: 8th November 2007 Expiry Date: 3rd January 2008
Location: 154 North Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5DL
Grid Ref: (E)376328 - (N)162670 LB Grade: II
Proposal: Use as dwelling/garage and storage
Officer: Neil Harvey
Applicant: C J Rogus Esq
Agent: A N Horner Consulting
Prior Park House
154 North Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5DL

121 The Oval
Southdown
Bath
BA2 2HF

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03431/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 13th November 2007 Expiry Date: 8th January 2008
Location: 33 Priory Close Combe Down Bath BA2 5AN
Grid Ref: (E)375853 - (N)162932 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a single storey side and rear extension
Officer: David Cox
Applicant: Mr & Mrs A Letchford
Agent: No Agent
33 Priory Close
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5AN

Bus Shelter Successes

2007-11-14T17:32:00.000Z

Last Friday 9th November Cllrs Roger Symonds and Cherry Beath met a council transport officer at the new bus stop at Hadley Arms. It was agreed with the officer that there is a need for a bus shelter at this location and that one would be provided. The shelter will be the same type of enclosed shelter as at the MoD bus stop and it will be erected at the bottom of the bank just below the bus stop. We don't yet have a date for the shelter, but we have expressed the view that it is urgently needed because of the exposed position of the bus stop.

This success follows the petition signed by almost 100 people from Trinity Road and compiled by Maureen Traynor and Helen Tysoe. When Combe Road is re-opened (probable date April 2008) buses will go one way through Combe Down village and return to the city via North Road.

The bus shelter at Priory Close has been repainted and a litter bin installed. We still intend to press for this shelter to be replaced with a more modern shelter, but getting it painted has smartened it up. It is no longer the eyesore that it has been for years.

The photo shows Maureen Traynor holding the petition and Beryl Hyett, with other trinity Road residents, signing it.

Flatwoods Planning Application turned down again

2007-11-13T17:03:00.000Z

A proposed development for 4 houses at 37 Flatwoods Road was turned down for the second time today. A previous application for 5 houses had already been turned down early this year. The Government's change in legislation to classify gardens as 'brownfield' sites has led to thousands of applications across the country to fill gardens with housing.

This particular application would totally destroy the quiet little country backwater that is Flatwoods Road. We applaud this decision by Planning Officers. The clearcut reasons for the refusal are:

1. The proposed development of four houses, due to the type, size, massing and layout, would result in the overdevelopment of the site resulting in overlooking and an overbearing impact on the occupiers of the adjoining residential properties. The proposal also relies on the retention of a coniferous hedge for privacy to Nos 44 and 45 Flatwoods Road which is not worthy of retention and its removal would result in direct overlooking of these properties to the detriment of the residential amenity of the occupiers. This would be contrary to Policy D2 of the Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan (including minerals & waste policies) 2007.

2. The proposed development of four houses, due to the type, size, massing and layout, would result in a development that is out of character with its surroundings and which would have a detrimental impact on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this part of the World Heritage Site and the adjacent Green Belt. This would be contrary to Policy D2, D4, NE1, NE2, GB2 and BH1 of the Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan (including minerals & waste policies) 2007.

3. The proposed access drive, due to its location in close proximity to the residential properties of Nos 36, 40 and 41 Flatwoods Road, would cause an unacceptable degree of noise and disturbance to the detriment of the residential amenity of the occupiers. This would be contrary to Policy D2 of the Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan (including minerals & waste policies) 2007.

4. The proposed development, due to the close proximity of trees which are subject to a Tree Preservation Order, would not provide a suitable level of useable amenity space and does not take account of the potential future growth of the existing trees. This would have a detrimental impact on the residential amenity of the future occupiers through shading of the garden and rear rooms of the houses which could lead to pressure for their removal at a later date. This would be contrary to Policy D2 and NE4 of the Bath & North East Somerset Local Plan (including minerals & waste policies) 2007.

Latest Planning Applications

2007-11-12T15:30:00.000Z

Combe Down App Ref: 07/03305/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 31st October 2007 Expiry Date: 26th December 2007
Location: 5 Rock Cottages Rock Lane Combe Down Bath BA2 5JP
Grid Ref: (E)375834 - (N)162391 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of first-floor rear/side extension
Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Mr & Mrs S Finnigan
Agent: Carter Hughes Davies
5 Rock Cottages
Rock Lane
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5JP

20-22 Monmouth Place
Bath
BA1 2AY

Combe Down App Ref: 07/03033/AR
Parish: N/A
Registered: 17th October 2007 Expiry Date: 12th December 2007

Location: Lloyds Pharmacy Combe Down House The Avenue Combe Down Bath
Grid Ref: (E)376034 - (N)162494 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Display of a non-illuminated, fascia panel
Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Miss Alice Preston
Agent: Sign Specialists Ltd (Redditch)
Sapphire Court
Walsgrave Triangle Business Park
Coventry
Warwickshire
CV2 2TX
Unit 19
Oxleasow Road
East Moons Moat Industrial Estate
Redditch
Worcestershire
B98 0RE

Latest Planning Applications

2007-10-29T16:27:00.000Z

Grid Ref: (E)375224 - (N)162581 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a conservatory and sun lounge to rear
Officer: Tessa Hampden
Applicant: Mr & Mrs Peschel
Agent: T P Windows
11 Bradford Park
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5PR

85-86 Lower Bristol Road
Bath
BA2 3BQ

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03152/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 23rd October 2007 Expiry Date: 18th December 2007
Location: 4 Paddock Woods Combe Down Bath BA2 7AD
Grid Ref: (E)376736 - (N)162696 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of single storey extension to rear and addition of first floor to existing extension
Officer: Rebecca Roberts
Applicant: Mr Alan Hobson
Agent: Martin Luckett
4 Paddock Woods
Bath
BANES
BSA2 7AD
7b Gadshill Drive
Frampton Cotterell
Bristol
South Glos
BS34 8UU

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/03245/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 25th October 2007 Expiry Date: 20th December 2007
Location: 35 St Winifred's Drive Combe Down Bath BA2 7HR
Grid Ref: (E)376655 - (N)162483 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of single storey front extension with pitched roof over
Officer: David Cox
Applicant: Mr & Mrs R Tisdale
Agent: No Agent
35 St Winifred's Drive
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 7HR

Sunny Summer

2007-10-07T18:41:00.000+01:00

At the end of August Nic and I cycled for 2 weeks in calabria in the south of Italy towards the toe of the boot and then returned to go to the Lib Dem Conference in Brighton, so I have not posted on the blog since August, until now.

Calabria is beautiful with road and railway hugging the coast for miles. We began our ride from Sapri in Campania, where we left off 4 years ago and cycled through Basilicata before getting to the coast of Calabria. We cycled as far as Tropea, from where we could see Sicily. This is a ruggedly beautiful coast, where touring cyclists are very rare. The Germans have discovered Calabria, but not the English as yet. There are some wonderful sandy beaches all the way down the coast.

After our rotten summer it was great to get away for 2 weeks of sunshine.

Planning Applications

2007-10-07T18:37:00.000+01:00

This application is for the Old school playground, which has now been sold and so therefore will no longer be available for community use. We were hoping to be able to go to the previous owner and tell him what local residents wanted for the playground. The sale went through in August.

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02820/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 24th September 2007 Expiry Date: 19th November 2007
Location: Old Tennis Courts Church Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5JN
Grid Ref: (E)376176 - (N)162398 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Change of use to provide new access for parking/storage for adjacent property (1 Alexandra Place) after demolition of 10 metres of stone wall at the old tennis courts.
Officer: Tessa Hampden
Applicant: Mrs Diana Pollock
Agent: No Agent
Combe Cottage
The Hill
Great Witley
Worcester
WR6 6HX

Combe Down from the air

2007-08-20T14:54:00.000+01:00

Here are a couple of pictures taken of Combe Down and in particular the Work Site for the Combe Down Stone Mines project. The photo at the top is taken from the South West and the one on the right from the North East, with Prior Park School playing fields in the foreground. Local people have visited the work site and many were pleased to see how tidy the site is. Friends of Firs Field are still asking people to contribute to any changes needed to the Field when we get it back at the end of the project in 2009. You can make your suggestions by visiting the Information Centre in the Avenue or by making a comment on this Blog.

Planning Applications

2007-08-15T17:53:00.000+01:00

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02344/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 8th August 2007 Expiry Date: 3rd October 2007
Location: 32 Southstoke Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5SN
Grid Ref: (E)374776 - (N)162068 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a single storey side extension and porch
Officer: Tessa Hampden
Applicant: Mr E Grubb
Agent: LBC Planning Services Ltd
32 Southstoke Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5SN

The Old Vicarage
The Downs
Clandown
Radstock
BA3 3DD

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02347/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 6th August 2007 Expiry Date: 1st October 2007
Location: Netherleigh Pioneer Avenue Combe Down Bath BA2 5QX
Grid Ref: (E)375004 - (N)162227 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a second storey, rear extension
Officer: Chris Beak
Applicant: Mr John Fairman
Agent: No Agent
Netherleigh
Pioneer Avenue
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5QX

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02392/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 7th August 2007 Expiry Date: 2nd October 2007
Location: Longwood Cottage Claverton Down Road Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AD
Grid Ref: (E)377000 - (N)162810 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Change of use from domestic (Use Class C3) to offices (Use Class B1) and erection of an extension
Officer: Rachel Le Huray
Applicant: BMI Bath Clinic
Agent: Cousins Thomas Rose
Longwood Cottage
Claverton Down Road
Claverton Down
Bath
BA2 7AD

10 Church Walk
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8DX

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02406/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 8th August 2007 Expiry Date: 3rd October 2007
Location: 34 Southstoke Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5SN
Grid Ref: (E)374775 - (N)162089 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension (Resubmission)
Officer: Martyn Edwards
Applicant: Mr And Mrs K Gammon
Agent: Graham Savage Associates
C/o Agent
The Chestnuts Studio
Burymead
Codford St Peter
Wiltshire
BA12 0NU

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02431/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 10th August 2007 Expiry Date: 5th October 2007
Location: 18 Stonehouse Close Combe Down Bath BA2 5DP
Grid Ref: (E)375664 - (N)162512 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of first floor extension above garage
Officer: Richard Dale
Applicant: Mr And Mrs D Keepen
Agent: No Agent
18 Stonehouse Close
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5DP

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02435/LBA
Parish: N/A
Registered: 30th July 2007 Expiry Date: 24th September 2007
Location: 8 Greendown Place Combe Down Bath BA2 5DD
Grid Ref: (E)375491 - (N)162330 LB Grade: II
Proposal: External and internal alterations to the front and erection of an extension to the rear
Officer: Robert Sutcliffe
Applicant: Mr And Mrs K Gover
Agent: Nicholas Minchin Architects
Leigh House
Leigh Road
Holt
Trowbridge
BA14 6PS
38 Silver Street
Dursley
Glos
GL11 4ND
Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02464/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 1st August 2007 Expiry Date: 26th September 2007
Location: 4 Combe Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5HX
Grid Ref: (E)375527 - (N)162188 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a conservatory to the rear
Officer: Tessa Hampden
Applicant: Mr And Mrs Glenday
Agent: Mr C Jones
4 Combe Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5HX
Honey Cottage
15 Overleigh
Street
Somerset
BA16 0TPWard: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02404/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 25th July 2007 Expiry Date: 19th September 2007
Location: 49 Bradford Park Combe Down Bath BA2 5PR
Grid Ref: (E)375260 - (N)162735 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension and conservatory
Officer: Alice Barnes
Applicant: Mr P Hunter
Agent: No Agent
49 Bradford Park
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5PR

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02385/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 26th July 2007 Expiry Date: 20th September 2007
Location: 31 Trinity Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5AB
Grid Ref: (E)375838 - (N)162674 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a detached dwelling on land at 31 Trinity Road
Officer: Rachel Le Huray
Applicant: Mr And Mrs Barrett
Agent: LPC (Trull) Ltd
31 Trinity Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5AB
Trull
Tetbury
Gloucestershire
GL8 8SQ

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/01966/LBA
Parish: N/A
Registered: 19th July 2007 Expiry Date: 13th September 2007
Location: 147 Church Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5JN
Grid Ref: (E)376318 - (N)162402 LB Grade: II
Proposal: Internal alterations to include the enlargement of existing 1st floor opening and re-aligment of staircase
Officer: Robert Sutcliffe
Applicant: Mr R Newnham
Agent: Neil Chapple And Associates
Scott House147 Church Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5JN
33 Millmead Road
Oldfield Park
Bath
BA2 3JP

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02175/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 16th July 2007 Expiry Date: 10th September 2007
Location: 3 Oxford Terrace Tyning Road Combe Down Bath BA2 5HH
Grid Ref: (E)376230 - (N)162560 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of a single storey rear extension
Officer: Martyn Edwards
Applicant: Mr And Mrs Venables
Agent: Western Building Consultants Ltd
3 Oxford Terrace
Tyning Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 5HH
Unit 20
Wansdyke Business Centre
Oldfield Lane
Bath
BA2 3LY

Deep Clean Keep Clean (DCKC)

2007-08-13T10:37:00.000+01:00

What an excellent three days for Combe Down! Focused mainly on Foxhill this exercise, paid for with money from Government through the Local Area Agreement (LAA) and the first in Bath, was a great success. There are six such exercises altogether, with the last one a return to Combe Down in three years time. This is the only ward to get two DCKCs. One of the tests of the effectiveness of the DCKC is whether local residents can reduce litter to allow the normal cleaning to keep up the high standard achieved in the last few days - we can all help to do this and to foster pride in our area.

Probably the most visible improvements are the high pressure hot water cleaning of the pavements outside Bradford Road shops, removal of moss from the lanes around Drake Avenue, the cutting of the hedge at the junction of Queens Drive and Meare Road and the collection of bulky waste on Saturday morning. In addition most areas had a 'deep clean' with manual and mechanical sweepers in operation and there was some patching of the roads.

Many of the small jobs done (and some have yet to be completed) were reported to Cherry and I by local residents. Please continue to use our Focus feedback sheets, telephone and email to let us know about problems.

Some of the actions taken are listed below:

Wednesday 8th August
Large Mechanical Sweeper plus one manual - Starts route, concentrating on south side of Bradford Road, including Pioneer, The Avenue etc. (subject to weight limits). Manual sweeper sweeping, litter picking, de weeding where necessary.

Compact Sweeper plus one manual - Starts route, concentrating on Foxhill Estate, Sedgemoor, Drakes Ave, Quantocks, pavements on Bradford Road. Manual sweeper sweeping, litter picking, de weeding where necessary.

3 manuals working through the Foxhill area.

Graffiti cleared, moss removed, pavements washed around shops.

Arson Task Force's POD will be on the west side of the Bradford Road shopping precinct area from 10.00 a.m - 2.00 p.m with information on all services involved in the DCKC for residents.

Volunteers delivering letters to households giving information on the DCKC, energy efficiency, bulky waste collection on Saturday and in The Firs and Church Road (letters to be delivered) asking them to park cars on opposite side of road for following day to allow a deep clean of kerbed edges.

Thursday 9th August
Large Mechanical Sweeper plus one manual - Completes route, concentrating on Foxhill estate. Manual sweeper sweeping, litter picking, de weeding where necessary.

Compact Sweeper plus one manual - continues route, concentrating on Foxhill Estate, Manual sweeper sweeping, litter picking, de weeding where necessary. Deep Clean The firs & The Avenue if cars removed.

3 manuals working through the Foxhill area.

Graffiti cleared, moss removed.

Clean up of the rubbish from the wooded area around Springfield open space. (volunteers to be on site from 2.30 p.m, Patricia from Foxhill Volunteers)

Arson Task Force's POD will be on the west side of the Bradford Road shopping precinct area from 10.00 a.m - 2.00 p.m with information on all services involved for residents.

Friday 10th August
Compact Sweeper plus one manual - completes route, concentrating on Foxhill Estate, Manual sweeper sweeping, litter picking, de weeding where necessary.

3 manuals working through the Foxhill area.

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and the Play Rangers scheme organising a park type event for local children on the Springfield open space area, Bug hunts, Den building etc. There will also be a Fire Brigade appliance on site if available

Arson Task Force's POD will be on the west side of the Bradford Road shopping precinct area from 10.00 a.m - 2.00 p.m with information on all services involved for residents.

Saturday 11th August
Bulky Waste collection carried out in the following areas. Signs installed at designated collection points. Pick up times from 10.00 a.m - Noon
Sedgemoor Road
Queens Drive
Kewstoke Road
Quantocks
Porlock Road
Bradford Park

Fire Service taking out an appliance to the area.

Incidentals happening during the course of the 4 days (responsible officer)
Bradford Park shrub beds tidied and litter picked (Bob Jones, Somer)
Certain litter bins and seats refurbished/replaced as agreed (Simon Memory)
Sedgemoor Road - Broken fence on green to be dealt with (Bob Jones, Somer)
Football posts at top of entry hill to be looked at (Rodney Atwell)
Pothole by back of garages in Sedgemoor Road to be dealt with (Bob Jones, Somer)
Bradford Road - Old paved area to be grassed
Foxhill focus litter picking Wednesday morning from Community Centre (Cllr Roger Symonds)
Narrow Road at end of Foxhill joined to Perry mead (formerly Foxhill Lane) - Overhanging growth etc (Bob Standen, Bob Jones)
Pane of glass at the MoD shelter replaced
First bus to look at the timetables on the showcase route - They are aware of the need on the North Road stops.
Request for the Bus stop in Prior Park to be painted over .
Patching works for Queens Road and Sedgemoor Road
Removing weeds etc from drungway between Hadley Arms and Church Road

Tour de France

2007-08-04T17:32:00.000+01:00

So the greatest cycle race in the world has ended with victory for Alberto Contador. Blood doping and drugs once again marred the race with Rasmussen and Vinokourov removed. Nic and I went to the fantastic weekend start of the Tour in London and watched this terrific spectacle of riders, support and advertising vehicles and Gendarmes go through the City of London at the Guildhall on the Sunday morning.

It is amazing how this race grips young and old alike along the route whenever it comes to the UK, and this year was exceptional with no less than five British competitors. Well done to Mayor Ken Livingstone who is using the Tour to promote cycling in London, where cycling has increased by 83% since 2000. People are being caught when using drugs, so we can hope for a future where the race is a test of strength and ability, which it always is for most of the competitors and not a test of who can aviod detection of performance enhancing drugs.

We have now watched the beginning and the end of the Tour having witnessed the end of the Tour in Paris back in 2003.

Planning Application

2007-07-24T19:29:00.000+01:00

Only one application registered for Combe Down this week. This is a resubmission of an earlier application for five houses, which was withdrawn. The only difference now is that it has four houses. This in my view is still a gross overdevelopment of the site, which is close to the National Trust Skyline Walk. An example of how the Government's changes to planning regulations, classifying gardens as 'brownfield' sites is leading to inappropriate applications. We support residents in their opposition to this application

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02131/OUT
Parish: N/A
Registered: 4th July 2007 Expiry Date: 29th August 2007
Location: 37 Flatwoods Road Claverton Down Bath BA2 7AQ
Grid Ref: (E)377560 - (N)163130 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Erection of 4 no. dwellings and associated car parking, highways works and landscaping, following demolition of existing dwelling (Resubmission)
Officer: Rachel Le Huray
Applicant: Mr And Mrs P G Webster And Mr And Mrs D T Lindop
Agent: Savills (Bristol)

Embassy House
Queens Avenue
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 1SB

Six to Fix

2007-07-15T19:22:00.000+01:00

In the run up to the election Cherry and I made some pledges, drawn from what you had told us. Our 'Six to Fix' are the issues that you told us you most wanted us to look at and that gave you most concerns. We will keep you updated on our progress with these pledges on this Blog site and in our regular Focus news letters. Any comments and ideas are very welcome. The first update is below.

Six To Fix Progress

1. Road Safety and Congestion – Advisory 20 mph speed restrictions will be put in at Hawthorn Grove/Sedgemoor Road and Southstoke Road. A Pedestrian refuge has been agreed to the west of Southstoke Road/Bradford Road junction and Zig Zag lines have been requested for outside Combe Down Primary School.

2. Speeding Traffic in Bradford/North Road - We have walked Bradford/North Roads with Peter Bailey from the Highways Department and we identified a number of safety measures. More on this in Focus.

3. Bus Services – we are still trying to arrange a meeting with First Group managers. We have had no response yet.

4. Fear of Crime – lighting improvements are now installed in Foxhill - more to come when funding is available. New community policeman PC Gerry Monks and PCSO (Police Community Support Officer) David Hall (grew up on Combe Down) on patrol – one more PCSO to follow.

5. Street Cleansing – Deep Clean, Keep Clean in August – to be reported on the Blog soon.

6. Youth and Community Provision – we asked Holy Trinity Church on 13th June for a meeting to discuss their plans for St Andrews, but as yet we have not had a response. During August we will ask the people of Foxhill what community facilities they would like to see on the St Andrews and Community Centre sites.

Planning Application

2007-07-11T15:20:00.000+01:00

Ward: Combe Down App Ref: 07/02102/FUL
Parish: N/A
Registered: 2nd July 2007 Expiry Date: 27th August 2007
Location: Woodruff Cottage Shaft Road Combe Down Bath BA2 7HP
Grid Ref: (E)376687 - (N)162548 LB Grade: N/A
Proposal: Enlargement of existing single storey extension to two storey extension and addition of single storey bay window
Officer: Martyn Edwards
Applicant: Mr & Mrs M Likeman
Agent: Llewellyn Harker Architects
Woodruff Cottage
Shaft Road
Combe Down
Bath
BA2 7HP

Home Farm
East Pennard
Shepton Mallet
BA4 6TT