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Wembdon/Bridgwater Strategic Gap (Link
to Map 1)
Being situated only one and a quarter miles from the centre of Bridgwater,
Wembdon is effectively a suburb of the Town, but with its own separate identity
and character. Frontage development on Wembdon Road has a very brief gap at
Whitegate Field, an area of open land owned by the District Council, but the
settlements have almost coalesced.
Several public footpaths cross the area, all of which are locally important and
one is part of the long distance “River Parrett Trail”. The Whitegate Field is
not only crossed by a public footpath but is also available for informal
recreational use. Wembdon Playing Field is another area of public open space in
this tract of land. Other land in this area is also now the subject of public
open space, proposals (see
Proposal RLT4) but small areas such as at Orchard
Lane are more suited to being tree planting areas. Tree planting along the edge
of the Northern Distributor Road would significantly reinforce the landscape
value of this strategic gap, particularly in views from the vicinity of Wembdon
Common and the Church.
A long-standing road proposal, the “Bridgwater Northern Distributor Road”, and
associated housing development on the north west outskirts of Bridgwater will
further impact on the area between Wembdon and Bridgwater. The “Development
Guide” for this scheme, adopted in 1982, clearly showed an intention to retain a
“green wedge” separating the two settlements. That “green wedge” concept has
subsequently been eroded by the allocation of an additional area of land for
development in order to ensure completion of the road scheme, but the need to
keep a strategic gap between the settlements remains an important objective in
planning for development in this area.
Quantock Road (A39 western approach), Bridgwater (Link
to Map 1 West)
Development of part of Whitegate Field in conjunction with construction of the
Bridgwater Northern Distributor Road has compromised the continuity of a
potential green wedge/strategic gap separating Wembdon and Bridgwater.
Nevertheless the retention of open land in this area remains an important
planning objective. Quantock Road (A39) enters/exits the Bridgwater urban area
within the shallow folds of a ridge and valley landscape. Quantock Road cemetery
marks the western edge of Bridgwater on this route, beyond which lies farmland.
The area is expected to remain in agricultural use and its hedgerows and trees
retained. A public footpath crosses the area and can be part of local walk
circuits using footpaths and country lanes.
Canal - River Parrett Green Wedge (Somerset Bridge Area),
Bridgwater (Link
to Map 1)
Land between the canal and the River Parrett contains a mixture of ponds (former
brick clay pits, many of which are now nature conservation sites) grazing land
(some of which are former tip sites) and a varied scatter of small holdings,
houses and small business premises. Prior to industrial and other developments
on sites in the Marsh Lane area and the Huntworth Business Park, Bridgwater’s
urban edge could have been defined along the River Parrett. To the railway
traveller the River still marks a significant edge.
The M5 viaduct crosses the canal, railway and river in one giant leap and whilst
this is a significant feature in the landscape it is not a barrier to movement
at ground level. There are public footpath routes on both banks of the River
Parrett and on the canal towpath, all of which offer opportunities for walks out
into surrounding countryside. The canal towpath and one of the riverside paths
now form part of the National Cycle Network.
At present the wedge of land between the canal and the river is relatively
undeveloped and users of these paths (particularly the canal towpath) benefit
from a sense of greenspace and openness which this green wedge brings close into
the heart of town. However, part of the area has previously been allocated for
development. The Bridgwater Area Local Plan allocated 13 hectares of land for
industrial, warehouse and business use (Proposal BR/E7). The principle of
releasing this land for development has been retained in this Local Plan, but in
view of the new emphasis on the significance of land between the canal and the
river as a green wedge it is important that this development incorporates
appropriate landscaping on the canal, river and public footpath frontages (see
Proposal E1).
Elsewhere in this green wedge, the canal, river, ponds and reed beds already
constitute a significant environmental resource for wildlife and human amenity
and the grazing land is visually important greenspace. The amenity value of this
green wedge will be maintained if existing grazing uses continue but alternative
“green” uses such as playing fields, nature reserve or woodland would also be
appropriate.
The Meads, Bridgwater (Link
to Map 1)
Expansion of Bridgwater in a westerly and south-westerly direction along the
Durleigh ridge and at Hamp has left the intervening low-lying pastures of The
Meads completely free from development. The area is crossed by several public
footpaths which are easily accessible by local residents. The pastoral landscape
with drainage ditches and willow trees so characteristic of the Somerset Levels
and Moors reaches close into the heart of the Town and can be particularly
appreciated from the Hamp footpath/cycle route and the canal. A particularly
significant attribute of this green wedge is that users of the canal and its
towpath (which is well-used by local people and is also part of the “River
Parrett Trail”) can enjoy a superb view across the meadows towards the Quantock
Hills. Real countryside can be appreciated from this location less than half a
mile from the Town Centre.
The defined green wedge is generally limited to the low-lying land but also
includes fields on the flanks of the Durleigh ridge which are a significant
element in the view from the canal and land in the vicinity of the Enmore Road/Durleigh
Road junction where there is a clear and important interface between town and
surrounding countryside. Land within the green wedge is expected to remain in
agricultural use. Management which reinforces the area’s Somerset Levels and
Moors landscape and nature conservation attributes should be encouraged (see
also Sedgemoor Biodiversity Action Plan).
Bridgwater’s Eastern Edge/M5 Corridor (Link
to Map 1 East)
In 1900 land east of the railway line was largely open countryside. Expansion of
Bridgwater during the 20th Century has reached a defined edge at Bower Lane/Dunwear
Lane.
The M5 motorway skirts this side of town with an intervening buffer of flat
farmland which is generally 200-300 metres wide but is as little as 150 metres
at one point. The land is mainly of ‘good’or ‘moderate’agricultural land quality
(Grades 3a and 3b) and is generally a landscape of green fields with hedgerows.
The area is clearly visible from the motorway and whilst houses on the edge of
Bridgwater are not entirely hidden by existing hedgerows and trees, the
impression from the motorway remains predominantly rural. Several of the
farmhouses are indeed typical of a Somerset style and are attractive features,
particularly in views from the north bound carriageway.
The area is crossed at two points by public footpaths but its function as
accessible countryside at the urban edge is also appreciated by walking, cycling
or driving along Bower Lane or Dunwear Lane. These lanes are open to traffic but
are potentially of increasing significance as a local link to the National Cycle
Network at Dunwear.
Development potential in this area is seriously constrained by highway capacity
problems on Bath Road and Westonzoyland Road (Bridgwater Land use and Transport
Study 1997 refers) and motorway noise, but even if such constraints could be
overcome it is clear that urban development in any part of this corridor would
adversely affect both:
a) perceptions of Bridgwater and Somerset from the M5; and
b) the ability of residents on the east side of Bridgwater to gain access to
a countryside environment within walking distance of home.
For these reasons the Development Boundary at Bower Lane/Dunwear Lane is
considered to be the appropriate long term eastern edge of Bridgwater between
the River Parrett and Bath Road.
River Parrett/Chilton Trinity Green Wedge, Bridgwater (Link
to Map 1 Central)
A continuous public footpath route exists on the west bank of the River Parrett
all the way from Bridgwater to Combwich and beyond. The existing right of way on
the east bank is discontinuous, but there are proposals to extend a cycle route
along the top of the flood bank as part of a long-distance coast-to-coast
recreational route. Despite the presence of industrial and other built up
development in Bridgwater and the impending development of land at Express Park,
the river corridor offers a very significant opportunity for interesting walks
and contact with nature. Saltlands Community Woodland and a network of footpaths
in the Chilton Trinity area through a mosaic of farmland and ponds (former brick
clay pits) which are now fishing lakes and nature reserves provide a range of
recreational opportunities.
Development at Chilton Trinity is not proposed in this Plan, but it is
nevertheless important to establish this green wedge as part of the strategic
framework of long-term restraint around Bridgwater.
Bridgwater/North Petherton Strategic Gap (Link
to Map 1c)
The Huntworth Business Park and the allocation of substantial areas of land at
Dawes Farm and Willstock Farm for new housing development in the Bridgwater Area
Local Plan already represent a major southerly expansion of Bridgwater.
The distance between Huntworth roundabout on the A38 (M5 junction 24 access
road) and North Petherton is a little over half a mile. The area is not entirely
free from development - in particular the petrol filling station/transport cafe
on the eastern side of the A38 is visually intrusive - but it is a significant
strategic gap. Extensive views across the surrounding landscape are available
(e.g. to the Quantock Hills, and across the Levels and Moors to the wooded
escarpment at Aller), there are several attractive farmsteads set back from the
road and the fields contain several large oak trees.
Brean - Brean Down Strategic Gap (Link
to Proposals Map 2)
Whether viewed from the beaches at Brean and Weston-Super-Mare, from the levels
at Bleadon and Lympsham or higher vantage points such as Bleadon Hill and Brent
Knoll, Brean Down is a major landmark feature. Unspoilt by develop-ment, this
outlier of the Mendip Hills juts out into the Bristol Channel, pointing directly
at the island of Steep Holm. It is owned by the National Trust and its airy
coastal location, wildlife, views and open access make Brean Down a natural
target for thousands of visitors each year.
The northern end of the Village Development Boundary at Brean lies 1500 metres
from the foot of Brean Down. This is a very important strategic gap which has
since the mid-1960s been subject of attempts to prevent further development
under the terms of the Somerset Coastal Preservation Policy. The policy quite
properly aimed to prevent new developments which would damage Somerset’s coastal
scenery.
The Somerset Coastal Preservation Policy was included in the original versions
of the Somerset Structure Plan, operative 1982-1992, but is no longer included.
The Burnham-on-Sea Area Local Plan (adopted 1990) showed the boundaries of that
policy area, but in the absence of a county-wide parent policy and mindful of
the need to avoid a confusing array of local landscape designations, the new
Local Plan deals with this area as a “strategic gap”.
The approach to the control of development in this area must remain resolutely
restrictive. Virtually all of the thousands of visitors who come to Brean Down
arrive by car and there is only one way in - via the coast road from Brean. It
is most unfortunate that that Somerset Coastal Preservation Policy was too late
to prevent three very prominent roadside caravan sites which had already been
established in this area. The District Council cannot force the removal of these
existing, but inappropriately located, caravan sites without facing a huge
compensation bill. Nevertheless it is clear that these sites have a major
adverse impact on views from Brean Down and the approach to Brean Down.
Prevention of any further intrusive developments in the vicinity of Brean Down
is entirely justified.
Brean, Berrow and north Burnham Coastal Edge (Link
to Proposals Map 2)
With its vast sandy beaches the District’s coastal edge at Brean and Berrow has
become a major focus of tourism development. The beaches are backed by a broad
belt of sand dunes at north Burnham and Berrow, but this dune belt gradually
tapers northwards.
The relatively narrow areas of dunes at Brean and Berrow where the beaches are
in easy reach of the coast road were early targets for a mix of residential,
caravan and camping uses from the 1930’s onwards. This initially sporadic
development rapidly intensified along the coast road, but a notional “seaward
building line” was established in 1958 and subsequently incorporated in the
Somerset Coastal Preservation Policy. This has been largely successful in
preventing development in dune areas directly fronting onto and visible from the
beach.
The Brean village development boundary includes residential plots which extend
into the dune area but significant built development will be limited by the
seaward building line which is now incorporated as the boundary of the land
affected by Policy CNE4.
Much of the Berrow Dunes area is occupied by the golf links of the Burnham and
Berrow Golf Club and is also protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Green Edge, Burnham-on-Sea (Link
to Map 2)
The line of the existing/proposed eastern distributor road forms a defined edge
to the eastwards expansion of Burnham-on-Sea and could ultimately become the
main holiday access route linking Brean and Berrow to the M5. Defining this road
as a long-term edge of urban development will retain a significant piece of
Levels landscape as part of the setting of the town. Views of the imposing
profile of the isolated hill of Brent Knoll standing above the coastal levels
landscape are a distinctive and memorable feature of this locality. North of
Stoddens Road, Crooked Lane and Brent Broad are important countryside access
routes for casual walking or access to Brent Knoll and the “green edge”
there-fore specifically includes these features.
Green Edge, Fields at Mark (Link
to Map 30)
The approach to Mark village from Mark Causeway (B3139) has a natural vista
which focuses on the church tower. This view opens out across the fields as the
road turns at Abbotts Causeway, where a roadside amenity area with seating
offers the opportunity for local people and visitors to pause and enjoy the
attractive scene. The tranquil view across open fields to the church is the
primary focus, with farmhouse and traditional outbuildings as important
additional features. The rhyne in the foreground and grazing meadows often have
ducks, swans, sheep or cattle adding interest to the scene. The availability of
these attractive views is dependent upon the fields remaining undeveloped and
the long-term protection of this policy is therefore necessary. The area should
remain in agricultural use.
Green Edge, Fields at East Brent (Link
to Map 23)
Fields adjacent to the A370 at East Brent provide an important sense of openness
which allows travellers on the main road to pass almost imperceptibly through
the village. The open fields allow the village to maintain a strong visual
relationship with the local landmark feature of Brent Knoll and provide an
attractive setting for the war memorial.
Green Edge, Brent Knoll (Link
to Map 6)
Fields at the junction of Brent Street and Station Road form an important visual
break within a long linear village which has largely built-up road frontages.
Views from the vicinity of this junction are across a typical Somerset Levels
and Moors landscape with rhynes and willow trees.
Green Wedges, Cannington (Link
to Map 14)
Open land in the vicinity of Cannington Brook makes an important contribution to
the character of this historic settlement. In addition to the village green
areas between the bridges at Brook Street warranting protection under the terms
of Policy BE7, the brookside areas to the east and west merit recognition and
protection as green wedges. Both are accessible by well-used public footpaths.
The eastern wedge includes grassland, mature trees and the waterside setting of
the historic Gurney Manor. The sound of water tumbling over the weir and the
presence of ducks add to the charm of this area.
Green Edge, Cheddar (Link
to Map 3)
An area of small fields on the flank of the Mendip Hills on the north side of
Cheddar, known locally as the Hamfield Area, is not included in the designated
Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. However, the area is an
integral part of the Mendip scarp slope landscape and this rising ground is
considered to be an area into which Cheddar village should not expand.
Green Edges, Wedmore (Link
to Map 51)
The green fields and woodlands on the south-facing slopes of Lascot Hill make an
important contribution to the setting and character of the village. The area
provides a very attractive backdrop to views of the church and historic village
centre. It is also traversed by public footpaths which are important for local
countryside access and offer open views down onto the village.
The pastures on the north-facing slopes below Mudgley Road / Mill Lane are
crossed by public footpaths which provide attractive views across the Cheddar
Valley to the Mendip Hills. These pastures and the well-treed gardens and
orchards rising behind the properties on Combe Batch (B3139) are clearly visible
from the footpaths on Lascot Hill or when approaching Wedmore from Cheddar on
the B3151. Built development on these slopes would be unduly prominent and
detrimental to the village’s rural setting. |
