Protecting our Green Belt landscape and the rural nature of our village from development is critically important. The local countryside plays a huge role in protecting wildlife, future food security, and our health and well-being.

BaNES Council is now consulting until 14th November 2025 on options for development in the new Local Plan and the 3 proposed options for Saltford total up to 1,650 new houses. You are encouraged to make a response.

Have your say, your response to BaNES matters!

SEG has published here a guide to help you access the consultation directly and make your effective response with planning reasons for why Saltford's precious Green Belt, that benefits rural and city dwellers alike, should not be developed.

You can download the SEG guide here in pdf or word formats (these open in a new window):-

Saltford Options Response Guide (pdf version)

Saltford Options Response Guide (word version)

NOTE: For your feedback comment on each section/site, after entering your comment(s) click the green Submit Response button before leaving that page.

Saltford Maps: If you wish to see indicative concept plans of the 3 Saltford options for development in BaNES Council's consultation whilst looking at SEG's response guide, you can view or download them by clicking on the links below. Each map (a pdf) opens on SPC's website in a new window:-

South Saltford (350-450 dwellings, previously 800)

West Saltford south of the A4 (650-850 dwellings, previously 500)

West Saltford north of the A4 (new option for 300-350 dwellings)

NOTE: the maps are also within the BaNES consultation website for each option.

The link to the online consultation is in the guide but for future reference (e.g. if you want to go back and amend your response before the 14th November deadline) is also here:

BaNES Local Options Consultation (2025) >>

Saltford Parish Council is helpfully providing lots of information (including maps) about the consultation process on its website with a dedicated page that can be reached from this link to SPC's website >>

Saltford Parish Council is expected to resolve its response to the options consultation at its monthly meeting on 4th November and post a copy of its response on its website. SEG will add a link from our website when it is available to see and download - now done, here's the link >>

Background information on SPC's crucially important landscape designation requests can also be found on SPC's website from this link to SPC's Protecting Saltford's Green Belt page >>

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Local Plan Consultation Launched (3rd October)

October 2025

Higher Government targets for new houses means that BaNES Council needs to reset its Local Plan & consult again on where new developments might go. The total new housing in 3 options (previously 2 options) proposed for Saltford has increased by 350 from 1,300 (in the 2024 consultation) to 1,650 in our Green Belt. Almost doubling the size of Saltford with that level of over-development risks its future as a rural village from such a significant loss of our local countryside.

The 6-week consultation runs from 3rd October to 5pm on 14th November (but don't leave it until the last day to respond!). It is important that you have your say. Your response to BaNES matters!

The online consultation can be found from this external link >>

Saltford Parish Council is helpfully providing information (including maps) about the consultation process on its website with a dedicated page that can be reached from this link >>

We have published maps (sourced from BaNES) in the news story immediately below this one and on our Green Belt page showing the 3 proposed options for development in Saltford (South Saltford, West Saltford - north of A4, and West Saltford - south of A4).

Please Note: SEG will be publishing guidance here (on our News page) as soon as possible on how you can make an effective response, so please do check back here before the end of October. Thank you!

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BaNES Council publishes Local Plan 'Options'

September 2025

On 17th September BaNES published its Cabinet papers that show 'options' for development in Saltford in the forthcoming Local Plan. These options along with other Local Plan development options elsewhere in Bath and NE Somerset will be consulted on by BaNES in a public consultation which opens on 3 October for six weeks (until 14 November 2025).

Having consulted in 2024 on their earlier ambitious target of 14,000 new homes over 20 years, BaNES Council has reset its Local Plan Options Report after the Government almost doubled the target to 27,000 over 18 years, from 2025 to 2043.

The Saltford options consulted on were for up to 1,300 new dwellings; the total has now been raised to up to 1,650 new dwellings, i.e. an additional 350. The maps below show where the new or revised options are and what they might contain. Whilst the need to assess the requirement for a new primary school in Saltford is referred to, its location is likely to be subject to decisions yet to be made on development options that go into the draft Local Plan.

The latest set of options, now three for Saltford (previously two options with 800 houses for 'South Saltford' and 500 for 'West Saltford'), are as illustrated by BaNES Council in these maps:-

South Saltford (350-450 dwellings, previously 800)

Saltford West (north of A4) (new option for 300-350 dwellings)

Saltford West (south of A4) (650-850 dwellings, previously 500)

Ward Councillor Duncan Hounsell is organising in Saltford Hall a public meeting to be held on the evening of Saturday 4th October (starting at 7.15pm). The meeting will be on the Local Plan Options and Saltford with a small number of guest speakers and a Q and A session. Although booked in the name of the Saltford and Keynsham Lib Dems, this will be a non-political meeting. The objective will be information sharing.

Saltford Parish Council (SPC) has usefully published a summary of the Saltford options and a lot more information about the Local Plan process on the SPC website plus links to the BaNES website - to see, click this link to SPC website >>

When the consultation is published by BaNES Council and more information known, SEG aims to publish guidance on how residents can respond effectively to reduce the hugely negative impact on the rural village of Saltford if these proposals all go forward and are adopted in the new Local Plan.

Whilst SEG recognises the need for new, affordable homes - the shortage caused by factors including short-term approaches to policy making that we need not go into - they need to be built in the right places. That is on previously developed land, near employment and public transport facilities. Building on the Green Belt (as being proposed) is not the right place if we are to protect people's health and well-being, nature and food security.

Our Green Belt page keeps members informed on SEG's campaign to protect Saltford's Green Belt, in particular with regard to the Local Plan.

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KEYNSHAM HOME ENERGY EVENING

September 2025

WHEN: Tuesday 14th October, 7-9pm

WHERE: Community Space, above Keynsham Library

Bath & West Community Energy are holding a Home Energy Evening at Keynsham Community Space on Tue 14th October, in partnership with Retrofit West, Keynsham Town Council, Keynsham Community Energy and BaNES Council.

This will be an evening of practical advice, inspiring ideas and expert guidance. From simple, low-cost energy tips to advice on big upgrades like heat pumps - something for every home and budget.

Warm your home > Cut your bills > Reduce your carbon footprint

Free entry, all welcome - drop in or book online with the organisers, Bath & West Community Energy:- Link to BWCE.

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Coffee Morning - Friday 3rd October 2025

September 2025

Help us Celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight

Please join us for our Saltford Fairtrade Coffee Morning from 11am - 1pm on Friday 3rd October at Saltford Hall in Wedmore Road. All are welcome.

Tea, Coffee & Cake - Free Admission (donations welcome).

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Saltford Calendar 2026

August 2025

The 2026 edition of the popular Saltford Calendar featuring some stunning photographs by local photographers is available from Saltford Community Library & Post Office* from 1st September at 8.50 each.

As in previous years the calendar has been produced by Saltford Community Association and Saltford Environment Group. All net proceeds will be split between SCA, SEG and the Saltford Community Library and Post Office to help further their work supporting the community.

By purchasing your copy or copies (it makes a great gift!) you are helping support the community, including helping to keep the Post Office open, whilst celebrating the village and its rural setting.

*Saltford Post Office is open 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm on Monday to Friday. The Shop & Library (but not P.O.) is also open Saturday 9am - 12 noon.

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Next BaNES Local Plan: SPC meets with BaNES Council Leader (12th Aug)

August 2025

On 12th August, representatives from Saltford Parish Council met at The Guildhall in Bath with the Leader of BaNES Council, Cllr Kevin Guy, and the Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, Cllr Matt McCabe; BaNES Planning Policy officers were also present. This was to discuss SPC's letter to the Deputy Prime Minister titled "New housing without compromising food security and nature" (the letter was reported by SEG in February 2025) and related issues concerning the forthcoming new BaNES Local Plan and its impact on Saltford. The members of SPC's 'Planning Policy Working Group' present were Cllrs Jon Godfrey (SPC Chairman), Phil Harding (Chair of SPC's Planning Committee) and Gary Graveling (Planning Committee member).

As reported in the 'Current Position' section of SPC's website page Protecting Saltford's Green Belt, key discussion points included:-

Green Belt and Landscape Protection:
Since January 2023, SPC has been working to secure enhanced landscape protections for Saltford's Green Belt. During the meeting, SPC sought assurances about maintaining Saltford's integrity as a village surrounded by Green Belt and stressed the importance of preserving the current Green Belt between Saltford and Keynsham. SPC again sought additional protections for Saltford's Green Belt, such as NE2a protections as seen on some parts of the Green Belt surrounding the village.

Saltford's Rural Identity:
During the meeting, SPC Councillors reiterated the importance of preserving Saltford's identity as a distinct rural village. This followed concerns raised by SPC in response to BaNES Council's pre-options consultation presentation at the June Keynsham Area Forum, where Saltford and Keynsham were jointly referred to as potential future "vibrant hubs". SPC made clear its view that Saltford's unique rural character and green setting must be maintained, and welcomed the acknowledgment of this by both Cllr Guy and Cllr McCabe.

Transport and Connectivity:
Transport was a key focus of the discussion, particularly in relation to the West of England Combined Authority (WECA), which oversees transport planning. Concerns were expressed about the amount of development in the BaNES Council area and also potentially in the Hicks Gate area (Bristol), and the impact of this on the A4 in Saltford. When asked for information - as none had been forthcoming from WECA despite requests by SPC - BaNES Council shared that a second A4 Bath to Bristol Corridor consultation was expected in the autumn. In response to this new piece of information, SPC urged that Parish Councils be kept informed at the earliest opportunity of the next WECA A4 Corridor consultation so that they could look to respond as well as support timely local engagement. SPC also welcomed news that First Group is planning to fully electrify its fleet, particularly given the high volume of First Bus vehicles using the A4 through Saltford. SPC had previously sought information from WECA on this matter earlier in 2025 and is still awaiting a formal response.

Local Plan and Community Engagement:
SPC requested further information about the upcoming Local Plan Options Consultation, particularly in relation to engagement for Saltford residents. The Parish Council asked BaNES Council to hold a public drop-in event at Saltford Hall (no confirmation either way as yet) and welcomed Cllr Guy and Cllr McCabe's offer to attend a future Saltford Parish Council meeting if invited.

SEG reported last month (17th July) the latest consultation dates for the Local Plan. SEG will be providing guidance for how Saltford residents might make an effective response for any proposals to include new development options in Saltford, so do keep an eye on our website in the coming weeks and months.

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Saltford's Housing Development Boundary requires no change, says SPC

August 2025

At Saltford Parish Council's Planning Committee meeting on 6th August, the Planning Committee resolved SPC's view on BaNES Council's Planning Policy team's Housing Development Boundary informal review. This review considered any changes to Housing Development Boundaries in the BaNES Council area, and no changes had been proposed by BaNES Council to Saltford's Housing Development Boundary. This is part of the preparatory work by BaNES Council for the forthcoming new Local Plan.

SPC's formal response to BaNES Council was resolved as follows:-

"Saltford Parish Council (SPC) has made an informal review of its Housing Development Boundary. SPC is in full agreement with BaNES Council's review document that Saltford's existing HDB does not require change as the review document shows that following an initial review by BaNES Council whilst preparing its review document, there are no proposals to amend Saltford's HDB.

Saltford's HDB is well established, having consistently served its purpose for several decades in protecting the surrounding Green Belt from inappropriate development, including the areas that have NE2a landscape setting designation. Saltford's HDB's delineation is sufficiently consistent and does not require adjustment as no material benefit would result.

The small linear developments that are outside the Saltford HDB, for example Mead Lane, Avon Lane, and Manor Road (west side of Saltford), that contain just a few countryside and/or former agricultural properties that are physically and visually detached from the main settlement relate more to their isolated countryside setting than to the developed settlement within the existing HDB. Including them within a slightly expanded HDB would

(i) fail to recognise their special remote location within the local landscape and the sensitivity of their location, and

(ii) create a significantly less homogenous HDB than exists at present.

SPC requests prior engagement and consultation with BaNES Council before any decision is made to propose adjustments to Saltford's HDB in the next or future Local Plan Options Consultation, should such a proposal come forward."

Further information on the actions by SPC to protect Saltford's Green Belt can be found on the SPC website from this link: Protecting Saltford's Green Belt.

SEG fully endorses SPC's review findings on Saltford's Housing Development Boundary and SPC's response to BaNES Council.

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Keynsham Recycling Hub wins top construction award

August 2025

BaNES Council's new 40m Keynsham Recycling Hub has been recognized for its innovative approach to reuse and recycling and the positive impact it has had, with a top award. The recycling hub, which was completed in early 2024, scooped first prize in the Building Project of the Year Over 5m category at the Construction Excellence South West Awards 2025.

Councillor Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, thanked everyone involved in the project and said: "It was a significant investment by the council, but the resulting facility is a highly efficient and future-proofed operational hub that can process over 150,000 tonnes of waste for reuse, recycling and disposal, ensuring that we can meet current and future demand in our area."

Keynsham Recycling Centre will represent the South West in the National Finals, which take place later in the year. More information on construction of the Keynsham Recycling Hub can be found on the BaNES website from this link >>.

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Fascinating 100-year-old post cards of Saltford discovered!

July 2025

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1. St Mary's in 1920s

2. Saltford Station, 1923

3. View from near the Craig above The Shallows, early 1920s

SEG has published during July in our 'History of Saltford' project's Online Museum some 100-year-old post cards kindly sent to us by a lady in Sussex who was otherwise going to discard them. These include images we have not seen before and the best three are pictured above - larger versions are available to view in our Online Museum.

They show:

(1) Oil lamp lighting in St Mary's, in the 1920s, before electricity arrived in Saltford from Bristol in 1927 - this is our oldest photo of St Mary's interior;

(2) the old station site in 1923 with a great view of the station yard; and

(3) an early 1920s landscape view of the river from near The Craig above The Shallows.

These and many more evocative old photographs of our village can be found in our 'History of Saltford' Online Museum where larger versions can also be viewed of these 'new' images.

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Next BaNES Local Plan: Latest consultation dates

July 2025 (updated 3.9.2025 & 11.9.2025)

SEG has become aware that the further options for housing developments in the Local Plan (reset to meet higher housing targets set by Government) will be made known on 17th September in agenda papers ahead of a special BaNES Cabinet meeting on 25th September. The public consultation that will follow is scheduled to take place for 6 weeks from Friday 3rd October to Friday 14th November 2025 (updated 11.9.2025, was 2/10 - 13/11).

These dates are still liable to change and SEG may organise its AGM to fit with the options consultation timetable.

The mandatory government housing target for BaNES has increased further to 1,489 dwellings per annum (up from 1,466 p.a.). This increase is a consequence of a change in the "affordability factor" locally and the "standard method" figures that will apply from 2024.

The next BaNES Local Plan is likely to run from 2025 to 2043 (previously 2022 to 2042).

The draft Local Plan is expected to go to full BaNES Council in April/May 2026. Final adoption after the Public Examination will be in 2027.

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Big Butterfly Count (18 Jul - 10 Aug)

July 2025

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Common Blue, Painted Lady and Gatekeeper. Elizabeth Cooksey

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide citizen survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see.

Sir David Attenborough is President of the charity Butterfly Conservation that runs this important annual count, and Chris Packham and Nick Baker are joint Vice Presidents.

This year's big butterfly count is from 18 July to 10 August and could be something to also get younger members of the family engaged in over the summer holidays. Participants choose a place to spot butterflies and moths. Watch for 15 minutes. Then record which species they see. You will be able to submit records throughout July and August.

There's even a free smartphone app for the big butterfly count (and/or a handy butterfly ID chart to download) so that you can carry out and submit your count all in one go while out and about watching butterflies. Details at this link >>.

SEG's wildlife page has photographs of all 25 butterflies that occur and have been observed in Saltford in recent years - see wildlife page - butterflies.

More information can be found on Social Media via the #BigButterflyCount hashtag. Thank you for taking part!

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Temperate Rainforest in Saltford?

July 2025

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Fallen branch reveals tree-living fern that had been several metres above ground level, 2025

Also known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforests, temperate rainforests are special and globally rare habitats. A higher proportion of temperate rainforest habitat has already been cleared than of the much more famous tropical rainforest. Temperate rainforest's all-year-moist conditions are perfect for 'lower' plants (e.g. mosses, liverworts, clubmosses and ferns), lichens and fungi, as well as for some flowering plants, birds and mammals.

Rainforests occur only in regions of high year-round humidity. The UK's temperate rainforests are therefore on the west side of the country, sustained by the moist Atlantic airstream in areas before and as it sheds this moisture as rain, from the west coast of Scotland down to Cornwall and including parts of Northern Ireland. Even within the UK, the location of this kind of woodland can influence the condition and species present at each rainforest site. The species present in rainforests in southwest England, for example, differ markedly from those in northwest Scotland's such forests.

As for all British woodland, the rainforest was once a well-used resource, providing many products such as timber, charcoal and tannin for tanning leather. But most of Britain's former rainforest has been removed (mostly many centuries ago), and what remains is still threatened by ongoing clearance followed by conversion to other uses, by invasive species, and by inappropriate grazing.

This has left a small and fragmented resource. The fragmentation is particularly problematic because woodland increases ambient humidity and in climatically borderline areas the presence of extensive woodland can allow sufficient humidity for rainforest to form, whereas smaller fragments in the same area are too dry for it.

The effects of the ongoing threats, described above, are compounded by chronic uncertainty over how rural areas and woods in particular will be supported in the future, and equivalent uncertainty over how the rapid climatic change now underway will affect the local conditions necessary for rainforest to form.

Tree disease is another possible threat, although over ecological time it is relatively minor to the habitat, because this is determined climatically and particular tree species are not necessary for rainforest to form: many native British tree species can structure it, so provided climatic condition and human activities allow woodland persistence, the rainforest will survive. That said, specialist species (mostly likely to be invertebrates and lichens) associated with rainforests and tied to a particular tree species devastated by disease may become severely threatened.

Among the easiest ways to recognise rainforests are their high numbers of epiphytes, those plants growing up in trees (Epiphytes do not include climbers like Ivy and Old-man's Beard, which are rooted in the ground), particularly 'lower' plants which require high humidity to establish themselves. This moisture requirement is why in most of lowland England rich assemblages of ferns, mosses, etc. are seen typically in shady margins of fast-flowing surface water like beside rocky woodland streams and, particularly, the splash-zones of waterfalls.

In most of lowland England, woodland is insufficiently humid to support any but a few moss and fern species away from such spots, with many fewer species on even the shadiest parts of the woodland floor, and very few epiphytically. This is the typical situation of woods in and around Saltford: they show no approach to rainforest.

Species of Moss and Lichen photographed in Saltford's rainforest conditions, 2020

But in one small area of Saltford, a particular combination of circumstances has allowed a moderate epiphytic community of mosses and ferns to develop (see montage image above). This is along a few hundred yards of the former LMS line (now the railway path that is recognised as a Site of Nature Conservation Interest) around the bridge over it from Avon Lane.

The steep cutting dug to allow trains to pass under the bridge, and the young woodland developing with the cessation of railway maintenance activities since the 1960s, now provide an area shaded from sunlight particularly during the most important, i.e. hottest, time (summer, when the trees are in leaf) and shielded from wind: air movement and sunlight are both reducers of humidity.

Moreover, substantial water from the adjacent farmland flows for parts of the year down the cutting sides, further increasing humidity. Fortunately, the excellent construction of the trackway means that this waterflow is rarely a problem for the people using the line. The result is a remarkable display of tree boughs, branches and twigs festooned in mosses and lichens and even some ferns.

This display is best appreciated in winter and early spring, when the trees - all deciduous - have lost their leaves. The display can be found between points 1 and 2 on SEG's History Walk #7 (on LH side when walking/cycling towards Bristol after passing under the Avon Lane bridge).

While this epiphytic community undoubtedly gives some approach to a rainforest 'feel' in this small area, it is debatable whether it should correctly be considered a patch of rainforest. Also uncertain is whether, before humanity cleared the natural formerly extensive woodland of lowland England, this woodland would have generated additional humidity sufficient for Saltford formerly to have been rain-forested. Equally, it is uncertain whether ongoing climate change, predicted to have profound effects on rainfall in lowland England, would allow for rainforest conditions in the future, on any such woodlands as are present then.

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A tree-living fern in Saltford showing the effects of a long hot and dry spell, July 2025

You can also read this article from SEG as a short reference paper "Temperate Rainforest in Saltford?" that can be downloaded from this link.

FURTHER INFORMATION
The Woodland Trust works to protect the UK's temperate rainforests - information can be found from this link.

FUTURE REFERENCE
SEG's reference paper "Temperate Rainforest in Saltford?" can also be downloaded from the Trees section of our Wildlife page.

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Hope for the Future: A Fairer World for Farmers

June 2025

On May 14, one of our members attended Hope for the Future: A Fairer World for Farmers, hosted by the University of Bath Fairtrade Community. The event spotlighted the impact of Fairtrade and the urgent challenges faced by farmers around the world.

Rosibel Ruiz, a Fairtrade coffee farmer from Nicaragua, shared her inspiring story. With Fairtrade support, she has been able to cope with climate challenges - receiving mosquito nets, polytunnels to dry beans in heavy rain, and guidance on companion planting to improve soil health. Diversifying with pineapples has helped boost her income, while new seedlings, food parcels, protective equipment, and access to credit have helped her recover from plant disease and economic pressures.

Elena Fernandez Lee from The Fairtrade Foundation spoke about Fairtrade tea and how the system ensures decent working conditions, trade union access, and no forced labour. However, she warned that climate change is threatening tea production - especially in Kenya, which supplies nearly half the UK's tea. By 2050, worsening conditions could cut yields by 25%. Adding to the pressure, most tea is sold at auction to a handful of large buyers who can drive prices down.

Gary Ayley from Caf direct discussed how the company was founded to give coffee farmers a fairer deal after a global price crash. Caf direct buys directly from growers, helping them keep a bigger share of profits. Still, 80% of coffee farmers today don't earn a living income.

Thanks for supporting Fairtrade! If you'd like to get involved, drop our Fairtrade Group an email - our contact details are on the top right-hand side of our Fairtrade page >>.

Together, we can help create a fairer future for farmers.

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Want to be a Wildlife Champion?

June 2025

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The Avon Wildlife Trust has launched its Wildlife Champions Programme for 2025-2028. This is a calling to all nature lovers. If you would you like to do something positive for nature with your community and would like support to help make your vision a reality, this could be for you.

The Wildlife Champions Programme is a free training programme and peer support network that is here to help you bring more nature into your neighbourhood.

From planting for pollinators, bringing people together to share their memories of nature, creating a community garden, or organising walks and talks, their year-long monthly training programme can help you bring your ideas to life. Training sessions include: 'An Intro to Basic Ecology', 'Community Engagement & Organising', 'An Intro to Wildlife Monitoring', along with seasonal events such as dawn chorus walks and Solstice celebration.

If you would you like to find out more there is a Wildlife Champions Taster Day on Saturday 28th June (10am - 12pm). See the dedicated AWT webpage for further information from this link: AWT - Wildlife Champions >>.

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Historic fields south of Montague and Manor Roads

May 2025

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The historic fields south of Montague Road and Manor Road exhibit characteristics which contribute to the distinctiveness of the village of Saltford. Saltford Parish Council has produced a paper on the importance of this area, which supports SPC's request for additional landscape protection for the Green Belt at 'Saltford South of the A4'.

You can find SPC's 'Locally Distinctive Historic Fields, South of Montague Rd/Manor Rd, Saltford South' paper and its ANNEX (a photographic record with LIDAR images) on SPC's website page on "Protecting Saltford's Green Belt" from this link >>

For future reference, copies of these important and historical record papers can also be found in SEG's Document Library that is part of our 'History of Saltford' project.

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VE Day 80: World War II & Saltford

May 2025

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To help Saltford mark the VE Day 80th Anniversary, SEG has produced via its "History of Saltford" project a pictorial presentation on 'World War II & Saltford' to run continuously in a loop at the Saltford Community Association's "Afternoon Tea with Entertainment" event at Saltford Hall from 2.30pm on Saturday 10th May.

A copy of the presentation was also provided to Saltford School who showed it to their pupils during school assembly on VE Day, 8th May. The pupils respectfully observed a two-minute silence during the presentation for those Saltford residents that gave their lives during the war (they are listed within the presentation and in our History of Saltford project's Online Museum).

You can download a pdf version of SEG's 'World War II & Saltford' presentation that is held in our History of Saltford Document Library from this link >>

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Next BaNES Local Plan housing target and timetable changes

May 2025

SEG is aware from information made available by Ward Cllr Duncan Hounsell at the SPC meeting on 7th May, that the mandatory government housing target for BaNES has increased further to 1,489 dwellings per annum (up from 1,466 p.a.). This increase is a consequence of a change in the "affordability factor" locally and the "standard method" figures that will apply from 2024.

The next BaNES Local Plan is likely to run from 2025 to 2043 (previously 2022 to 2042). There will be a small change in the new Local Plan development timetable so the new consultation on options for development (to meet the higher housing targets) is likely to be in the autumn, rather than the summer, 2025.

The Options document will be in the agenda papers for the BaNES Cabinet meeting taking place on 11th September with public consultation on the Options document taking place from mid-September until the end of October. The draft Local Plan will go to full BaNES Council in April/May 2026.

On a related matter, SPC discussed the response it had received from Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, to its letter "New housing without compromising food security and nature" sent by SPC on 10th February 2025 to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP (via the office of our MP, Dan Norris).

SPC resolved on 6th May to publish the official response on SPC's website and accompany the response with the following statement:-

"Saltford Parish Council acknowledges and is grateful for the response from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. However, it remains deeply concerned that there has been no acceptance of the need to take a long-term stewardship approach to land use planning to simultaneously help the recovery of nature and to improve the resilience of the nation's indigenous food supply by providing better safeguards for the Green Belt and farmland.

The Parish Council will be looking to Bath and North East Somerset and the newly elected West of England Mayor to set a national example by ensuring that no Green Belt or farmland in the area they control or influence is lost to development in the planning process and to therefore use other, more sustainable, means to meet genuine housing need and in the right places."

SPC also resolved to publish supplementary landscape evidence it has agreed to submit to BaNES Planners for its landscape designation request for Saltford south of the Bath Road (its publication and submission was delayed by the WECA Mayor pre-election period that prevents Parish Councils taking an active public role on policy issues that may be relevant to the political campaigns of candidates).

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WECA Mayor candidates respond on protecting food security & nature

March-May 2025 (last updated 5th May with election result)

We are posting here the answers (up to 60 words was the request by SEG) to our question to the candidates standing in the election on 1st May for WECA Mayor - see previous news story for further information. The question SEG asked was:-

"In view of the Saltford Parish Council letter "New housing without compromising food security and nature" and if elected as WECA Mayor, how will you in the decisions you make and the policies you implement and support protect the West of England's Green Belt and farmland from development including making the case to Government Ministers that taking a longer-term stewardship approach to land use planning must be a priority so that negative consequences for food security and nature are not a result of where we build new homes in the West of England?"

In order of receipt, the responses received were as follows:-

Ian Scott (Independent candidate):
I am not going to make any commitments but my voting record on the Green Belt includes voting against the South Gloucestershire Local Plan in 2011 because of the loss of Green Belt in Patchway and against the South Gloucestershire Local Plan in February 2025 - a new Frenchay Community Hospital is needed before we can agree extra housing east of the Ring Road on Green Fields or Green Belt (summarised by SEG as reply exceeded 60 words).

Steve Smith (Conservative candidate):
Protection of the Green Belt is one of my top priorities. I will focus on "brownfield first" to ease the pressure on the Green Belt. Prioritising, and where necessary funding for, regeneration sites for new homes. Additionally, using the Mayoral role to support Green Belt campaigners at a national, regional and local level - resisting the current intense attack upon it.

Helen Godwin (Labour candidate):
I would balance new housing developments with protecting our Green Belt, farmland, and natural environments... requiring all new developments to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain across our region. I would protect nature by prioritising brownfield development first. I would create a comprehensive brownfield register for the West of England and secure funding from Labour's 8.3 billion affordable homes program to remediate these sites. I would also establish stronger protection for high-grade agricultural land.(summarised by SEG as reply exceeded 60 words).

Oli Henman (Lib Dem candidate):
I am strongly committed to long-term environmental stewardship of our farmland and rural areas. I would prioritise taking forward the Nature Recovery Strategy across the West of England region and would work with local environmental organisations. I am clear that new development should be focused on brownfield sites as a priority so that people can reach good transport connections.

Answers were not received from the other two West of England mayoral candidates, Mary Page (Green Party) and Arron Banks (Reform).

Following voting on polling day (1st May) with only a 30% turnout, Helen Godwin (Labour) was elected Mayor of the West of England Combined Authority.

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2025 Big Garden Birdwatch results

April 2025

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The Wren was not in the UK's top 10 garden birds observed but is regularly seen or heard in and around Saltford.

The results for the 2025 Big Garden Birdwatch held on the weekend of 24 - 26 January are now published by the RSPB. The top ten most commonly observed birds across the UK are listed below.

All 10 had no change on last year's position with the exception of the Woodpigeon (+1 at 3rd) swapping places with the Starling (-1 at 4th). The list is:-

   1. House Sparrow
   2. Blue Tit
   3. Woodpigeon
   4. Starling
   5. Blackbird
   6. Robin
   7. Great Tit
   8. Goldfinch
   9. Magpie
   10. Long-tailed tit

Top spot goes to the House Sparrow for the 22nd year running despite a drastic decline in the UK over the past 50 years, so much is this decline that they are on the UK Red List for birds.

Over a half a million nature lovers took part this year counting 9 million birds(!). More information on the results of the 2025 Birdwatch can be found on the RSPB website. You can also find more information on social media using the hashtag #BigGardenBirdWatch.

One way to help garden birds is by encouraging insects. Why not let a patch of your garden grow wild this spring and summer?

A full list of the 103 birds that are presently of regular occurrence in Saltford with ID links to the RSPB website for each species can be found on our Wildlife page >>

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Mow your lawn less and 'Save A Patch For Nature'

April 2025

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According to Butterfly Conservation, new data from the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (UKBMS) shows that 2024 was one of the worst years on record for butterflies in the UK and, for the first time, more than half of butterfly species in the UK are now in long-term decline. Butterflies are sounding the alarm for nature and we need to take action now.

Research published in 2024 by Butterfly Conservation showed that letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass can increase butterfly numbers by up to 93% and attract a wider range of species. That's because the butterflies and moths we love, like the Red Admiral, Peacock and Humming-bird Hawk-moth, need long grass all through the year to complete their life cycles.

Save A Patch For Nature: There are significant wildlife benefits from mowing your lawn less often. Letting parts of your lawn grow long, saves you time and helps give nature a home. The grasses will set seed, wildflowers will be able to bloom, and the longer stems will create a sheltered microclimate - a mini jungle through which beetles and other small creatures can wander.

Check out our "Gardening" page from the link below where we have guidance on different approaches you can take to letting your lawn, or a section of lawn, grow naturally. This might be having an area that either mimics a

summer meadow - by far the best option to produce the most spectacular results to support our local wildlife;

a spring meadow - the next best option, or

a temporary meadow - the "No Mow May" approach that is the least best option, but better than doing nothing.

Link to our Gardening page and the: mow-less section.

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Farms vanishing around towns and cities

March 2025

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A recent report from CPRE (the Countyside Charity) on farming on the urban fringe shows that more than 1,700 farms have disappeared from the edges of towns and cities since 2010. CPRE is calling on the government to recognise the vital role of the countryside around our towns and cities and make good on its commitment to a land use framework and a brownfield-first housebuilding policy.

The report reveals that productive agricultural land surrounding urban areas - land that could feed local communities and provide environmental benefits - is rapidly being lost from farming.

The loss equates to 56,000 hectares of farmland, an area similar in size to the city of Leeds, and represents a critical loss for both food security and environmental sustainability.

While the areas studied in the report represent just 11.3% of UK agricultural land, they produce an outsize proportion of foods including wheat (20.6%), oats (20.6%), barley (20%), potatoes (14.3%) and milk (13.3%).

Graeme Willis, agricultural lead at CPRE, said:

'Farms around our towns and cities produce vital quantities of food but are disappearing at an alarming rate. Every hectare of farmland lost is more than just a statistical decline, it's an erosion of our countryside and our fundamental national resilience.

'Farmers are being asked to produce sustainable food, protect biodiversity, improve soil health and combat climate change - all while facing unprecedented economic challenges and pressures from development. Without proper support systems in place, we risk losing not just farms close to towns and cities but doing serious damage to the UK agricultural sector overall.

'The government should urgently join up its policies on land use, food security and agricultural support in a way that recognises the vital role of the countryside around our towns and cities. This means strengthening planning protections for agricultural land and providing the necessary support to farmers to both put food on people's plates and better manage the environment for future generations.'

The CPRE report can be found online from this link to the CPRE website >>

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Will our new WECA Mayor protect food security & nature?

March 2025

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With elections for a new West of England Combined Authority (WECA) Mayor to be held on 1st May, SEG has written on 10th March to all 5 candidates standing for election with a copy of Saltford Parish Council's evidence-based letter "New housing without compromising food security and nature" (external link to DPM letter on SPC website) and asked them the following question:-

In its letter to the candidates, SEG said that the group's main theme currently was protection of the Green Belt and farmland. Other themes or main areas of concern are reducing peak time traffic congestion through Saltford, therefore we are strongly opposed to the poorly conceived and recently abandoned proposals to put bus lanes on the Keynsham bypass (A4); and SEG remains in favour of the re-opening of Saltford railway station to make up for the more than doubling in size of Saltford, a rural village, since the 1950s, but the reopened station must not to be a gateway for new housing developments on Saltford's Green Belt.

We shall publish on our website the replies to our question when they have been received.

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SPC updates its Saltford station policy

March 2025

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Image SEG

At the March monthly meeting of Saltford Parish Council on 4th March, in response to the Government's statement on railway stations and new housing developments, SPC resolved its updated policy position on Saltford station.

This was as a direct result of the economic growth statement made on 29th January 2025 by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, which included the following policy statement on planning decisions on land around stations:- "New transport infrastructure can also act as a catalyst for new housing. We have already seen the benefits that unlocking untapped land around stations can deliver... new housing and wider commercial opportunities. We will introduce a new approach to planning decisions on land around stations, changing the default answer to yes."

SPC's policy statement was as follows:-

"Saltford Parish Council remains in favour of reopening Saltford railway station on the existing site, but only on the basis that a new Saltford station would be accompanied with incontestable planning safeguards to ensure that any reopened station in the village would not lead to development on any of Saltford's Green Belt (including that recognised by SPC as an Area of Great Landscape Value). The Parish Council is resolute that Saltford - as a rural village - has already undergone significant housing growth since the 1950s, more than doubling in size, and that a new Saltford Railway Station should be established to serve and support the existing community."

Saltford Environment Group considers this as a pragmatic way forward; the village would greatly benefit from a reopened Saltford station to help the village reduce its carbon footprint and provide an alternative travel option to road travel, particularly for commuting to work places in Bristol and Bath as well as providing more flexible travel options for those without a car. It would help reduce the significant growth in peak time traffic congestion through Saltford since the short-sighted decision was made over 50 years ago to close Saltford station when encouraging car use over public transport was seemingly the transport policy of central Government.

However, re-opening the station to overcome the transport problems associated with building new houses in the BaNES and Bristol area without taking more account of where houses actually need to be built, should not open the door to yet further losses of the Green Belt and farmland that underpin our food security and nature, as SPC has proven in its 10th February 2025 evidence-based letter to the Deputy Prime Minister "New housing without compromising food security and nature" - external link to DPM letter on SPC website >>.

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Annual Saltford Dawn Chorus Walk, 27th April

March 2025

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The annual Dawn Chorus Walk in Saltford will be held again this year.

The Keynsham Branch of the Avon Wildlife Trust will be listening to, and watching, the birds get up after a night's roosting for this year's Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 27th April 4.30am - 8.00am, starting at Saltford Shallows car park.

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A Saltford Yellowhammer - that seems to sing "A little bit of bread and no cheese".

This is a great way to learn how to identify from their songs the many birds that are found in Saltford. Songs of all common species will be pointed out and their identification features clarified. The walk will be along part of the railway path cycle track (and back). Wrap up warm as it can be very cold that early. Binoculars and a bird identification guide will be helpful for once it gets light. Above all you need good ears to be able to pick out the 30+ different species the annual walk normally finds! A flask of your favourite hot beverage is recommended.

This event is free but an optional donation to support Avon Wildlife Trust funds will be requested on the day.

For further information and to confirm your attendance, contact Dave Sage on mobile 07899--716068 the week before the event.

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Saltford's Tawny Owls

February 2025

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The Tawny Owl is by far Saltford's most common owl following the strong decline of the Little Owl in the past 30 years whereas in the 1970s and 80s the Little Owl was 3 to 4 times more numerous in Saltford than the Tawny Owl.

An easy place to observe them around dawn and dusk is from the Rectory Bridge on the railway path (gained by joining the path at the Bird in Hand and turning right towards Bath) as they move between trees in the Shallows and the railway path; even in the winter they are often active well after it has started to get light. In midsummer there is an hour or more of activity either side of darkness.

Tawny Owls are non-migratory and highly territorial - hence all the hooting we hear from the males in some parts of Saltford. They pair off from the age of one year and usually stay together in a monogamous relationship for life. An established pair's territory is defended throughout the year and maintained with little, if any, boundary change from year to year.

With a retina no more sensitive to light for night vision than ours, it is the asymmetrically placed ears that are key to its hunting prowess giving the Tawny Owl excellent directional hearing. It hunts for a wide range of prey, mainly woodland rodents, but also other mammals up to the size of young rabbits, and birds, earthworms and beetles. Indigestible parts of their prey are regurgitated as pellets and are found in groups under trees used for roosting.

The Tawny Owl is currently (February 2025) classified by the UK national scale as at amber risk which indicates that the species is of concern but not as urgent as those on the red list.

There is a list of the regularly occurring bird species readily observed in Saltford on our popular wildlife page; if you click on each bird listed you can find an image, details and even its birdsong on the RSPB website. The list is here >>

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New housing without compromising food security and nature - SPC public letter to DPM

February 2025

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At its meeting on 4th February 2025, Saltford Parish Council resolved to write an open (public) letter to the Government raising its concerns that the Government's planning policy for building 1.5 million new homes has potential to cause considerable long-term harm to the nation's food security, economy and natural capital. In particular, the harm to food security is likely to have disastrous consequences causing future hardship and food poverty for those on lower incomes.

The letter was sent on 10th February and asked the Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner that the Government makes an unequivocal policy statement, that overrules any interpretation of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, December 2024) and related planning policies, that "no undeveloped land in the Green Belt and/or farmland during the current Parliament shall be permitted planning permission, including on appeal to the Secretary of State, for building new homes to meet national or local housing targets set by HM Government or Local Planning Authorities" and that existing planning permissions for new housing developments that remain unbuilt (one million...), should be completed or well advanced by 2029, with steps taken by Government, as necessary, to make that happen.

Attached to SPC's letter was an evidence-based annex that set out SPC's cause for its concern and "why there is no need or justification for building any new homes, including affordable homes, that the nation needs on the Green Belt and/or farmland; indeed, to destroy that priceless national resource would be unwise and represent irresponsible stewardship of the nation's land and natural capital."

You can download a copy of SPC's letter as a pdf from this link:-

New housing without compromising food security and nature

The letter can also be found on SPC's website from this eternal link >>.

SEG fully endorses and supports SPC's letter and will use the letter as important evidence when making representations to Government, Local Government and others for defending the Green Belt and farmland.

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January 2025

At the Local Election in Saltford held on 16th January to fill the Saltford Ward Councillor vacancy on BaNES Council, the voter turnout was 40.2% (in the May 2023 local election for the Saltford Ward, the turnout was 44.61%).

Chris Warren, the Independent candidate and one of the only two election candidates who lived in the ward, was elected to represent the Saltford Ward, a role to be fulfilled together with the existing Ward Councillor, Cllr Duncan Hounsell (Lib Dems).

The votes cast were as follows:-

Elected - WARREN, Christopher John (Independent) 587

2nd - PIROOZ, Hossein (Liberal Democrats) 583

3rd - BUSBY, Andrew David (Conservative Party) 375

4th - CONDICK, Daniel Patrick (Reform UK) 205

5th - THORNTON, Luanne (Green Party) 159

6th - GIDDINS, Jane Emma (Labour Party) 60

Congratulations to Chris Warren and thank you to the previous Ward Councillor, Alison Streatfield-James, for her public service for Saltford on BaNES Council.

SEG looks forward to working with Councillor Chris Warren on the issues that really matter to Saltford and its local environment in a spirit of co-operation, partnership and trust.

SEG asked the election candidates two important questions during the pre-election period concerning (i) protecting the Green Belt from development, and (ii) resisting the ill-conceived proposals from WECA to put bus lane(s) on the Keynsham bypass (A4). Their responses as we reported are posted here.

NOTE: The Saltford Ward covers a large area of NE Somerset. Including the village of Saltford itself, it also covers Burnett, Chewton Keynsham, Compton Dando, Corston, Newton St Loe, and Queen Charlton.

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There's no Grey Belt in Saltford, says SPC

January 2025

None of Saltford's Green Belt land meets the Government's new National Planning Policy Framework (December 2024) definition of "Grey Belt" according to Saltford Parish Council at its first meeting of 2025 on 7th January. That resolution was based on an assessment of Saltford's Green Belt by SPC's Planning Policy Working Group. SEG welcomes and agrees with that assessment.

NOTE: Grey Belt is described in the NPPF as land in the Green Belt that could be suitable for new housing developments and is defined as comprising previously developed land and/or any other land that, in either case, does not strongly contribute to any of 3 specific Green Belt purposes, namely (a), (b), or (d) - i.e. (a) to check the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas, (b) to prevent neighbouring towns merging into one another, and (d) to preserve the setting and special character of historic towns.

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SEG asks Local Election candidates 2 key questions

Last updated 7 January 2025

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On behalf of Saltford Environment Group's 560+ members, SEG's Chairman has written an open letter to the 6 candidates standing for election to fill the Saltford Ward Councillor vacancy in the 16th January local election.

The two most important issues for Saltford's new Ward Councillor during and after 2025 will be the threat of development on Saltford's Green Belt in the next (draft) Local Plan, and traffic congestion in Saltford and Keynsham that would become considerably worse at peak times if WECA implements its proposals for a bus lane on the Keynsham bypass.

The letter asks the candidates two key questions, asking the candidates that if they are elected on 16th January to serve Saltford as a Saltford Ward Councillor, will they:

(1) support the local community and actively speak out in favour of protecting Saltford's Green Belt and resist any proposals in the draft Local Plan from BaNES to include developments on that land? YES/NO, and

(2) actively support the local community and speak out and lobby or campaign against any proposals from WECA or BaNES Council to put bus lane(s) on the Keynsham bypass (A4)? YES/NO.

SEG is publishing here the YES/NO responses from the candidates when they are received. These are as follows for questions 1 and 2 :-

BUSBY, Andrew David (Conservative Party) - Yes and YES;
CONDICK, Daniel Patrick (Reform UK) - Yes and YES;
GIDDINS, Jane Emma (Labour Party) - Yes and YES;
PIROOZ, Hossein (Liberal Democrats) - Yes and YES;
THORNTON, Luanne (Green Party) - Yes (implied) and
"The proposed Keynsham bypass bus lane requires further examination...";
WARREN, Christopher John (Independent) - Yes and YES.

SEG's letter made the point that the evidence overwhelmingly shows that there was no need, requirement or justification for building any of the new affordable (and other) homes that the country needs on Green Belt and farmland in England to help meet the Government's target to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029. SEG provided an explanatory "Supporting Evidence Statement" on new housing; you can download it as a pdf from this link:-

SEG's evidence statement 20th Dec 2024

Such development would represent unsustainable development.

SEG also informed the candidates that peak time traffic congestion in Saltford and Keynsham on the Bath Road (A4) and connecting side roads is already a significant problem. Losing road space to bus lanes on the Keynsham bypass as proposed by WECA despite an overwhelming rejection by those residents who will have to live with the consequences of such an ill-conceived plan, will exacerbate this situation further causing more delays and chaos to road vehicle users (including buses when they try to rejoin the main traffic flow) with negative outcomes for the local economy, quality of life for residents, commuters and school children travelling to and from school, whilst further hindering access for emergency vehicles to serious incidents when they arise.

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Revised timetable for BaNES Local Plan

January 2025

Following the launch of the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) by the Government in December 2024, BaNES Council has issued as part of its update to the Local Plan Preparation Schedule a revised timetable to enable consideration of further options for housing developments to meet the higher housing targets set by Government (that are highly questionable and should require no loss of Green Belt or farmland - see SEG's evidence statement 20.12.2024 (pdf)).

The new dates are as follows (subject to change):-

- Public consultation on OPTIONS for strategic housing allocations Aug/Sept 2025.

- Public consultation on draft new Local Plan Mar/Apr 2026.

- Draft Local Plan public examination Jul/Aug 2026.

- Final adoption of new Local Plan Jun/Jul 2027.

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Big Garden Birdwatch 24 - 26 Jan

January 2025

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Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a birding expert. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 26 and 28 January 2023.

Choose an hour between 24 and 26 January

Only record the birds that land in your patch

Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time

Across the UK last year, over 600,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2024, counting 9.7 million birds! House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 60% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979. In fact, we've lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. With birds facing so many challenges, it's more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do - or don't - count will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring.

Taking part is easy and this is a great chance to sit back, relax and watch birds and other wildlife for an hour - and to encourage younger members of your family to develop an interest in the local wildlife. By taking part, you'll find out all about the fascinating wildlife that flutters, crawls and hops in your garden, balcony or local area. And with a simple hour of mindful watching, you could have an hour to yourself, too.

Full details including resources and ideas with tips on making your garden an attractive place for birds to visit can be found on the RSPB website from this link:- RSPB Birdwatch.

You can also find more information on social media using the hashtag #BigGardenBirdWatch.

Don't forget that taking a wildlife-friendly gardening approach, including the provision of water, rather than putting out copious amounts of bird food, is much more beneficial to birds and other wildlife as it helps to re-introduce the natural features that are much reduced due to habitat loss and intensive farming methods. It can be a more helpful approach than disrupting or unbalancing different bird populations through heavy food provision that favours some species over others.

Growing native species of plants in your garden, mowing your lawn less, and not removing dead leaves etc. from your flower beds in the autumn and winter that provide winter habitat and a food source for insects, can help sustain a healthier local birdlife.

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Saltford Environment Group
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Editorial policy

SEG as an independent, non-profit making body takes a politically neutral stance. We are committed to the highest editorial and ethical standards in the provision of all the content and related services for our website.

The Editor is Phil Harding (SEG Chairman) and Phil can be contacted via our home page.