Two updates this week on Barratt Homes’ plans to build up to 215 homes on land at Woodlands Farm (“Blackberry Park”).

Firstly, the Conservative Leader of Council has said that the council will not be launching a legal challenge against the Inspector’s decision to allow the appeal, as they have done in the case of recent appeals for developments in Thornbury and Charfield.

Secondly, however you feel about the houses being built, it’s important that local people have a way of discussing with the developers issues that arise during the development. In places like Charfield that have seen similar new housing schemes, residents’ liaison groups have been set up. After the appeal decision was announced, local councillor Claire Young wrote to Barratt Homes to enquire about setting up such a group here.

This week they replied confirming they would be happy to discuss how to liaise with the community once they have got permission for their Reserved Matters Application (which they’ll probably submit in December/January) and finalised acquiring the land. Currently they only have Outline Planning Permission for Blackberry Park, the Reserved Matters Application will have all the detailed plans.