Planning Committees and Applications
The Planning Committee of Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council usually meet every two weeks. Details of dates can be found on this website.
The list of dates is also published on our Parish Council notice boards.
Our meetings are held at Lincombe Barn and are open to members of the public.
The Parish Council is keen that members of the public come to the Planning Meeting to voice any concerns they have that a potential development may affect them.
When South Gloucestershire Council receive an application for planning permission, this is usually copied to the Parish Council for comment. These comments, along with those of other consultees, are then taken into account when the final decision on the application is made.
In October 2008, there were some changes to the planning laws and it is now possible to carry out some minor alterations to your home that do not require planning permission; for further details go to www.planningportal.gov.uk. The web site shows a picture of a house. Click on "launch the guide" and hey presto - you're there! Just hold the mouse over the area you have a query about and it explains in some detail whether or not planning permission is usually required. It also gives an indication as to the various criteria that need to be applied.
All current planning applications can be accessed via www.southglos.gov.uk/planning.
Local Planning Information
ISG Pearce Ltd, on behalf of Hanover Housing, has started a site in Downend, to construct a 63 bedroom block of extra care accommodation for the elderly.
To find out more, please click here.
ISG PEARCE INVITES NURSERY SCHOOL TO MEET REAL-LIFE 'BOB THE BUILDERS'
Forget watching children's TV favourite 'Bob The Builder' - infants at Sunbeams Day Nursery in Dibden Road, Downend were treated to the real thing recently when construction firm ISG Pearce invited them to visit their latest building site.
The ISG Pearce team welcomed ten children aged three to four years old and five nursery school assistants to their construction site in Beaufort Road, Downend where the firm is building more than 60 'extra care apartments' for the elderly on the old Blackhorse Primary School site.
The youngsters were invited to explore the construction area under the close supervision of ISG Pearce project manager Alistair Mann and construction manager Robin Potter. The infants were given a short, fun talk about how a building site works as well as the importance of safety and treated to an opportunity to sit in one of the three tonne excavators being used to dig the foundations for the new development.
Alistair Mann said: "The children can see the construction site from the windows of their nursery school and we thought it would be a great idea to get them along to see for themselves what we are doing and to learn more about the importance of safety around building sites.
"We are keen to stress to children that while building sites are nothing to fear, there are hidden dangers. Hopefully by warning children from a young age about the perils of playing on building sites, they will think twice about endangering themselves and others in years to come. Our aim is to work with children and staff in a fun, engaging and creative way that delivers that important message."
As a member of the 'Considerate Constructors Scheme' (CCS) ISG Pearce is always keen to engage with the local community and be a good neighbour to residents, businesses and organisations located in the area during their construction works. CCS members are committed to working in a safe, respectful, sustainable way and to ensure they leave a positive impression on all those affected by developments.
The Beaufort Road site involves the construction of a £5.4m three storey block of flats consisting of 42 self-contained one bedroom apartments and 21 self-contained two bedroom apartments on behalf of Hanover Housing Association.
The new extra care apartments will provide elderly people with a way to live independently but with access to extra services such as laundry and catering as well as 24/7 on-site carers, should they need the additional support.
Alistair Mann explained: "The development will provide elderly residents with everything they need to live comfortably while maintaining their independence. Amenities will include a residents' lounge and dining area, laundry, shop, hairdresser, cinema and even a treatment room and health suite right on their doorstep."
Energy conservation and sustainability will be an integral part of the new building with photovoltaic panels on the roof to generate electricity and a 'very good' BREEAM multi residential rating.
Richard Price, regional operations director of ISG Pearce, concluded: "With this project we are delighted to be helping the old and young alike. It is extremely gratifying to be working on an important scheme that will help elderly residents in the area live in a safe, comfortable and enjoyable environment. It is also a great pleasure to get some of our youngest residents involved in the development and provide a unique learning opportunity for them."
The flats are expected to be ready for occupancy in spring 2011.