Somerset villages like High Littleton & Hallatrow are pressured by traffic & development. Locals aim to protect their unique character.
These villages face some issues. There is traffic and the school is almost full. Public transport is limited, and nature is at risk. People want to protect their town.
Locals made a plan for the Parish Council. The plan considers local limits because services are strained and the environment is delicate. Only small developments can work, with the plan allowing nine new homes maximum.
The plan values community spirit a lot. It wants to boost well-being too and aims to keep the villages healthy and nice. The plan also wants to reduce traffic risk.
High Littleton goes back to Saxon times. Hallatrow is likely even older than that. A survey in 1086 showed small villages, each had about 600 acres. Less than 100 people lived there.
Coal mining grew around 1800, and the population grew rapidly. New wealth came, and some nice houses got built. Now, over 2,000 people live there. The A39 connects the villages, and they share things like a school.
The area represents the Cam Valley well. Shaped by farming and coal, these villages sit in open land. This gives them unique character and separates them.
You can see far from the villages. Great views exist from every side really, as the villages have scenic views too. They blend into the landscape, so the views should stay attractive.
The land around the villages can’t handle much. Development must stay small here. The plan says keep green spaces open between these villages, and around others like Paulton.
The area faces congestion and primary school limits. Public transport is also limited there too, while biodiversity is also increasing threats. Protecting the landscape is super important now.
Consultations occurred, and the community decided this plan won’t locate houses. The plan supports small, helpful development as it should help residents and foster community.
Small developments need good design, and the location matters too. This plan defines those needs, and will shape the parish’s future look. New developments should reflect this.
Small projects are okay, between one to nine homes. These must be small scale or infill, because no big sites are up for grabs. Developments between these villages must consider the landscape, and any building on valued green space won’t pass here.
Traffic and speeding are problems in the parish. Public transport is also limited in this parish, and the plan supports safe walking to fix it. It wants to lower congestion a lot and aims to improve local transport.
They might study transport needs, including road safety. Also, improving access around the villages is important, and extending the path to White Cross is an action item. They will support public transport, review parking at the school, and boost access to other towns. New homes must have parking.
The parish feels like a strong community. Groups and amenities help a whole lot, and villages are very close. Most people know each other now, with everything in easy walking range.
This area has a rich, natural place. We have to protect it now, so future folks should get to enjoy it. The plan gives residents a voice and protects things people value.
An expert is reviewing the plan. They check if it meets rules, and might suggest changes. They could reject the plan too or say to vote on it.
If the plan is good, there’s a vote in 2025. Approval means adoption in eight weeks, and the plan shapes building decisions then.