Our submission to the South West Assembly about the 2000 extra houses for South of Bath - August 2006

I would like to object to the proposals around the world heritage site of Bath, which include an urban extension of 2000-4000 houses on the south of Bath, and over 10,000 at Whitchurch. The urban extension is suggested, as it means the government hopes to get away with no infrastructure costs, in an area already straining due to a lack of investment. Most of of Bath's roads are already gridlocked, adding new houses will only make things worse.

If the urban extension is built around the Odd Down area, this area is undermined by mining for Fullers Earth with some areas not correctly mapped, it would not be sensible to build a new Combe Down with all the problems created.

Also most of this area is very steep, and in areas of outstanding natural beauty and green belt.

Bath is a world heritage site. Cologne Cathedral is in danger of losing its world heritage status, due to building on the skyline,  adding 2000-4000 houses is not going to improve the world heritage status of the city, which in planning terms must be an important consideration. It would be sad if these plan ensure Bath loses its world heritage status, it would give the report authors a lasting legacy.