Built Environment
Bradford-on-Avon and the surrounding villages are home to many buildings of architectural interest. Much good work is done to retain their character, but there must always be some change to buildings, their uses and infrastructure (the Built Environment) to provide for a thriving economy. CFB wants to ensure change comes on the back of sustainable technologies and strategies.
There are number of developments underway or proposed: outlines of two significant changes are given below.
Kingston Mills
In Bradford-on-Avon itself, the Kingston Mills developmentThe Kingston Mills development is taking place in the centre of Bradford on Avon, along the river itself will have a major impact on the town.
As well as more homes in the centre of the town there are also plans for a water turbine to be integrated into the Kingston Mills development to allow a significant amount of electricity to be generated - sufficient to source 100 to 120 homes with electricity throughout the year. As a Group, CFB is keen to support the development of sources of renewable energy - this one seems particularly apt given the Avon has been used to power the local economy for centuries.
The proposed hydro-electric scheme for the Kingston Mills Development received planning permission in August 2010. Click here for more details.
Regarding the development, on 29 November 2007 the West Wiltshire District Council Planning Committee approved the proposals - you can read all about it on the Linden Homes website. Until 2010, there were limited signs of the development progressing, but now the work is more noticeable and in the pictures below you can see changes to the site in July 2010.
There are a number of interesting issues coming out of the development. The Town Council had proposed and received planning permission for a cable stay bridge of corten steel to span the river and join the new development to the south of the town. A new car-free bridge would bring much relief to pedestrians and cyclists for whom using the main Town Bridge can be a daunting experience at times - see Bike vs Bus on the Transport Group page. However, many within the Town felt the design inappropriate and the cost excessive. An alternative design has been proposed, but further work is required before any final decisions can be taken.
Kingston Farm
The Kingston Farm schemeA proposal to develop land outside the Bradford on Avon settlement boundary adjacent to the Hall Estate will also be significant for the town. The scheme will include residential as well as commercial properties and further public consultation is expected so watch this space.
In October 2011 a 5 megawatt solar farm was installed on the site, providing electricity directly to the Anthony Best Dynamics factory and sufficient power for between 500 and 1,000 homes.
CFB Actions
We have monitored the Kingston Mills developmentThe Kingston Mills development is taking place in the centre of Bradford on Avon, along the river itself and are very interested in the Kingston Farm schemeA proposal to develop land outside the Bradford on Avon settlement boundary adjacent to the Hall Estate , but in future wish to be more active in monitoring developments and pushing for sustainability to be given a higher priority in developments. So do contact us if this is an area you would like to follow up.
We are also interested in your thoughts generally on new developments or your ideas on how the introduction of more sustainable practices could bring benefits to the Bradford-on-Avon Community Area. Contact us at climatechampions@gmail.com
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