Villagers unite against ‘neither wanted nor needed’ development

Villagers have united to to save a green stretch of land.

More than 100 residents attended a meeting in the hope of saving the Green Belt in Long Ashton.

The land’s fate will be decided at a council meeting on Wednesday.

Under the planning application currently submitted to North Somerset Council, the patch of greenery – bordered by South Bristol Link Road, Long Ashton Bypass and the railway line – if approved will be redeveloped into three office buildings, an auditorium, a culinary building and more all led by Epic, a American healthcare software development company.

Ever since this application was made public, members of the community and local councillors have expressed their concerns about the redevelopment.

The development will take place in the area beyond the gate – photo: Amanda Barrett

The community has emphasised that the “development is neither wanted nor needed”.

Councillor Ashley Cartman, who is one of the councillors for the Long Ashton ward has urged his fellow colleagues who are on the planning committee to reject the proposal: “Epic’s proposal asks local residents to sacrifice protected green space so they can build an extravagant office complex.

“This isn’t about need — it’s about want. There are many other, more appropriate sites available, which would still bring jobs and economic prosperity to the region without sacrificing our precious Green Belt.

“I urge North Somerset councillors to stand with the overwhelming majority of local residents and reject this unnecessary and damaging development.”

At the meeting on Saturday in Long Ashton Community Centre, Nigel Moorcraft the former chairman of Long Ashton Parish Council; Charles Cave, a former councillor from North Somerset, councillor Cartman and councillor Stuart McQuiallan answered questions from concerned villagers who were keen on protecting the land.

Concerns of the public were addressed at a meeting held at Long Ashton Community Centre – photo: Karen Johnson

Epic’s plan at the moment, according to the Long Ashton community is opposed by 94% of residents and violates 13 planning constraints.

The planning constraints violated include the removal of the designated Green Belt, which will impact the setting of listed buildings including landmark destinations like Ashton Court Mansion and Clifton Suspension Bridge and building in a known flood zone.

Dunn, who has been putting in constant efforts to overturn the development said: “Epic are demanding Long Ashton and South Bristol give up green space forever so they can build a sprawling complex complete with an individual office for each staff member, countryside views, and a sushi chef.

“They don’t need this, they want it. We’re urging North Somerset councillors to listen to the overwhelming majority of the people they represent and reject this unnecessary proposal.”

Another resident of Long Ashton, Moira Hunt has spent days emailing councillors on the planning committee and is urging others to do the same: “Purely on a whim and a wish this huge American software firm can run roughshod through 13 planning policies to create a completely unneeded office development on precious Green Belt, wildlife corridor, and working farm.

“Meanwhile, Bristol and Weston are awash with empty office space. Anyone who believes in established UK law and democracy should be outraged that a multi-billion dollar company can rip out the green lungs we cherish and allow Bristol to sprawl into Long Ashton, simply because they want to.

“We need everyone to email the councillors on the planning committee to say ‘No’ to Epic, and stand up against this abuse of the system.”

The planning committee will decide the fate of the designated area in a council meeting on January 15.

Main photo: Epic

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