A shocking decision?

I have been sent a copy of a short ‘press statement’ from residents in the Northend part of Batheaston who are ‘upset by the recent granting of planning permission by B&NES to a new modern development on the site of the old Roman Catholic Church of the Good Shepherd – and at the historic entrance to the village.’

I print it in full without personal comment. There may well be others who will welcome the redevelopment of the site. I take it the church is no longer considered a viable place of worship?

“Residents in the village of Northend say they will challenge the decision by the council to approve planning permission for four new houses to be built in a prominent position at the historic entrance to the village.

Many residents expressed shock at the decision, which was taken by a single planning officer. This was despite over 120 objections to the modern development, which is in a conservation area and one of the most historic parts of a village, dating back to the 12th century.  And despite the fact that it had been opposed by both Batheaston’s own parish council and by the BANES council’s Conservation department.

Residents say they are exploring ways to challenge the decision, which will see the 1960s brutalist Roman Catholic church —  loved and hated in equal measure–– torn down and replaced by a large modern development, which many fear will change forever the historic roofscape and landscape of this part of the Batheaston Conservation Area.

Local resident Caroline Spicer said: “The decision seems to have been rushed through to favour national housing targets over local needs and protections. Residents said they would gladly accept plans for smaller affordable housing or continued use as a community facility, in keeping with the character of the conservation area. Instead, three large 4-bedroomed houses and one slightly smaller house have been approved, which few people in this village will be able to afford.”

Bath and North East Somerset’s conservation department opposed the development, saying that it would negatively impact on the Conservation area — which it described as a “historically important collection of houses” and the many listed buildings that are overlooked by the church. 

Resident Nick Cooper said: “The planning department seems to have completely ignored the views not only of local people living in this village, but also of the council’s own Conservation officer. What is the point of us all paying for an expensive official like the Conservation officer if their input counts for nothing?”

Another resident, Michael Birkett-Jones, voiced the concern of many when he said:  “Batheaston is a village of charming roofscapes, unexpected views and ancient groupings of buildings, that have evolved over centuries out of the natural topography of the Avon Valley. Monks used to walk this route 600 years ago, going from St Catherine’s Monastery to Bath Abbey.

“The site is part of the Batheaston Conservation Area and the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We’re not against housing per se. But any new development must be sympathetic to this unique setting.

“But the scheme that’s been passed seems oblivious to residents’ concerns. Its footprint will extend beyond the existing Church, taking a reference high-point close to the line of the  (soon to be demolished) Church of the Good Shepherd’s spire. This will significantly change the views across the valley for those who live here and for the many walkers and visitors who walk along the Batch and who approach Batheaston from Bathford.”

No other modern development exists along the one-mile stretch of Northend. The Good Shepherd Church was built in 1967 and was designed specifically to be in sympathy with the historic houses of The Batch, and not detract from their significance to the village, or overshadow them.

The Church is one of a very few examples of brutalist design in the Bath area, and some consider it of historical significance in its own right, with its interior marked by beautiful coloured design and windows. “