K2 access road – campaign continues

15/08/2011

The campaign to see an alternative access road built to the controversial K2 housing development in Keynsham is continuing, despite a Planning Inspector having given the development the green light.

Conservative Councillors and local campaigners in the town are still calling on the Council to work with developer Taylor Wimpey to secure an alternative access road to the site to alleviate traffic from the residential Park Road in the town. As the plans stand, Park Road would provide the only access to the 280-home development, raising fears over the impact on traffic on the road and in the centre of the town.

At a recent meeting of B&NES Council's Cabinet, Conservative Councillor Charles Gerrish (Keynsham North) secured a commitment that the Council would continue negotiations with the developer on seeking to create an alternative access to the site, most likely from Charlton Road.

In answer to a question tabled by Councillor Gerrish, Cllr Tim Ball, the Council's Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, promised that discussions would be taking place with the developer over the issue. Building a second access road could also unlock a second adjacent site, owned by the Council, for development.

Cllr Alan Hale, who represents the southern part of Keynsham affected and campaigned with residents against the plans, said:

"The decision by the Inspector to allow these plans to go ahead in their current form remains a real blow to local residents and the campaigners who put forward such strong arguments.

"However, I and fellow Councillors in Keynsham won't give up on trying to resolve the issue of access to the site. We're continuing to keep up the pressure on the Council to deliver an alternative access road to the site to relieve traffic along Park Road and road further towards the town centre. We're pleased that we have secured a commitment from the Council that they will continue to work the developer to try to achieve this."