Residents of a Somerset village urge government action against a US firm’s plans
Long Ashton: Residents in a small Somerset village are upset. They want the government to step in. An American company wants to build its European headquarters near their homes.
The Long Ashton Parish Council wrote to Secretary of State Angela Rayner. They asked her to review the planning permission given by North Somerset Council. They believe this development goes against rules meant to protect the Green Belt around Bristol.
Local campaigners are urging everyone to contact Ms. Rayner. They want her to reconsider the council’s decision. If she does, she will check if the planning permission was granted correctly.
Earlier this month, North Somerset councillors voted 8-5 in favor of the plan. Planning officers recommended approval, despite acknowledging it violates national policy on Green Belt land.
They argued that the economic benefits of the new business outweighed the environmental concerns. This decision has upset many local councillors, leading to resignations from the party.
Epic plans to build a large office campus between Ashton Vale and Long Ashton. The campus will include three office buildings, a restaurant, and a 3,000-seat auditorium.
Epic, a US-based firm, wants to consolidate its Bristol offices into this new campus. However, Bristol City Council has raised objections, suggesting there are better locations for the development.
Dan Smith, chair of Long Ashton Parish Council, wrote a detailed letter to the Secretary of State. He noted that 96% of residents oppose the development.
Smith also mentioned that many official bodies have objected, citing potential harm to the Green Belt and local heritage. He stressed that the application conflicts with national planning policies.
He argued that the application should not proceed without further review. He believes it undermines confidence in the planning system.
Epic claims it must relocate to this site or leave Bristol entirely. However, Smith insists that established planning policies should not be ignored for one company’s demands.
Ministers can send the application to a planning inspector for a public inquiry. However, this power is rarely used. Previous appeals in Bristol have not succeeded.
The letter to the Secretary of State is one way for Long Ashton to challenge the decision. They could also pursue a Judicial Review in court.
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