Northgate Back on the Agenda

Northgate back on the table
Northgate back on the table

Following the Tesco’s debacle, which followed the Sedgemoor Splash debacle, everyone is now working together for a third time lucky option for Bridgwater’s key Northgate site. The next chance for major public input into what happens next will come mid May with a series of meetings and decisions.

The Story so far

In 2009 , despite being faced by a wave of popular opposition, Sedgemoor District Council decided to demolish the popular swimming pool, the Sedgemoor Splash, in order to pave the way for a major retail led development. The site was flattened in anticipation. And stayed that way ever since,

In 2014 the ‘major retail option’ (unsurprisingly Tesco) decided it wasn’t coming after all and instead sent a big pile of money as compensation.

After the  2015 elections saw Labour Bridgwater and  Tory Sedgemoor agreed to work together to find a ‘leisure led’ solution to the site, which had been sought all along by Bridgwater Town Council and by poll after poll of Bridgwater people. Continue reading “Northgate Back on the Agenda”

Town Forum calls for roads, waterways and regeneration

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Sedgemoor planners tell us their ‘plans’.

At this months meeting of the Bridgwater Town Development Forum, organised by the Town Council in order to bring together different organisations in the town through a system of delegates, NICK TAIT(Senior planning officer Sedgemoor District Council) gave an overview of the consultation results to the Local Plan, focusing on Bridgwater, and including the main development site options , transport and the  Tidal Surge Barrier.

Mr Tait said Sedgemoor had an annual target of delivering 505 houses but were currently delivering 580 and they had to consider whether to spread development around the district or to concentrate it. In doing so they had to be aware of environmental impact and infrastructure requirements specifically  transport, schools and health. Other key considerations included minimising greenfield development and the danger of flooding. Continue reading “Town Forum calls for roads, waterways and regeneration”

Internationalism on the Agenda for St George’s Day

Twinning-Week-Logo-WebThis year the Bridgwater Twinning Conference will be spread over the weekend of 21st to 25th April. Bridgwater with  5 twin towns, (La Ciotat  France, Homberg-Germany, Uherske Hradiste-Czech Republic, Marsa-Malta, Priverno-Italy)  leads the way in modern day Internationalism around Somerset

Organiser, Westover Councillor Brian Smedley, says “When we say ‘conference’ what we really mean is the opportunity to meet the people that run the twinning groups in our town and some visitors from our twin towns.” Continue reading “Internationalism on the Agenda for St George’s Day”

Hope Extinguished as Sedgemoor Planners Vote for Demolition

No Hope as demolition approved.
No Hope as demolition approved.

At todays meeting of Sedgemoor District Council Development Committee members voted 11-3 to approve plans for the demolition of Bridgwater’s iconic Hope Inn on the Taunton road ‘within 3 months’ and in the face of strong opposition by ward councillors and Bridgwater Town Council. The plan will pave the way for 22 apartments on a busy road.

Westover ward councillor and Town Council Leader Cllr Brian Smedley (Labour, Westover) said “I want to start by thanking the committee for their courageous stand last August when against officers recommendations you supported the wishes of the town and rejected the previous proposals. You would also have been very proud to have received the Inspectors report later that year which justified your position.The application is back on the table again and Ward members and the town council again have to object. Continue reading “Hope Extinguished as Sedgemoor Planners Vote for Demolition”

Orienteerers Orientate themselves to Westover

The Orienteerers gather at the birthplace of Breaker Morant.
The Orienteerers gather at the birthplace of Breaker Morant.

200 lycra, parka and sweatband clad orienteering enthusiasts from all over England spread out across Westover, sometimes at breakneck speed, in mad quest for small orange and white markers indicating the key points on their makeshift racetrack created as it was from amidst the historic backdrop of Bridgwater. The Quantock Orienteerers were in town.

But not just the Quantock ones, enthusiasts from everywhere. One lady, casually eating a fruit and yogurt compot from a tupperware container, said she’d travelled down from Berkshire. Another from London said it was her first time here and she was pleasantly surprised and would come again. Continue reading “Orienteerers Orientate themselves to Westover”