A fortnight after its launch, l am hearing that 470 residents have now signed a petition calling on the owners of the Roman Catholic church in Batheaston to give the village the first option to acquire the site.
The church has been part of the village for over 50 years, but was closed during COVID.
Residents were outraged when the B&NES planning department recently gave permission for four big new houses to be built on the site. This was despite objections by over 120 local residents, Batheaston parish council and B&NES’ own conservation department.
The site is in the Batheaston Conservation area and is surrounded by several listed buildings, in one of the oldest parts of the village. The development that’s being proposed is far taller than the frontage of the existing building, and residents say it would dwarf the houses in this part of the village. It would also change the roofscape and skyscape looking up from the High Street to Solsbury Hill, and as you enter the village in Northend.
Villagers are demanding that the owners of the church – the Diocese of Clifton- give the community the first option to purchase the site so that it can be used either to provide affordable housing more in keeping with the character of the village, or much-needed community services, or a combination of the two.
Local resident Ann Curtis, whose Grade II listed house is overlooked by the Church, said: “The Church of the Good Shepherd has stood as a beacon of unity and community spirit in Batheaston for almost 60 years. We call on the Bishop of Clifton to give the community the chance to formulate a plan that serves this community and remains true to the church’s original spirit of service to the community.”
“Currently, we are facing the prospect of the site being lost to developers whose priorities may not align with the interests and needs of our community, without the input of the people who have cherished the site most.”
“The church site is an important entrance point to Northend and the Batheaston Conservation Area. And the plans, as they stand, will block out light to neighbouring homes and deeply affect the character of this area. We stand ready to work with the Diocese on a number of possible options.”
You can sign the petition here https://www.change.org/p/grant-batheaston-first-option-to-buy-church-site
As a Bath Expat (who lived at nearby Bathford for many years) more than happy to oblige. And more power to their elbows!!