New butchers block at North Street, Nailsea

​

Bakers the Nailsea butchers want to demolish its North Street shop and build a three-storey block of flats on the site.
If planning permission goes ahead for the six flats, one proposal is for the butcher’s shop to move into Crown Glass Shopping Centre or if the application fails, to close.
Bakers of Nailsea is a well-established family business which has traded from this site for more than three decades and in support of its application to North Somerset Council it says trade has been affected by the business being away from the main shopping area.
The nearly one-hectare site is at the crossroad with North Street, Hanham Way and Queens Road.
Originally a scheme for five houses had been discussed with district council planners who suggested a ‘landmark structure’ such as a block of flats on the site. 
The proposal is for vehicular access from Firleaze and not as at present North Street with all windows facing north-east and south west to ensure that there will be no overlooking into nearby neighbouring properties or directly onto the windows of nearby houses. 
And there is no evidence of any protected species having been found within this site which says the application is not surprising considering the rigorous cleaning required within shop premises storing and selling raw and cooked meats. 
Back in the 1980s controversy about selling the farmland at the end of Queens Road centred on the old mine shafts and pylons straddling the fields.
But the new housing development went ahead anyway, the farmhouse was sold, and the abattoir relocated to West End.
Residents of Firleaze have already posted online their objections to the plans.
Douglas Kay said: “I am disappointed that we only found out about his proposal from a neighbour and not informed directly from the planning authorities.
“I hope that this was an oversight and not a tactic to avoid objections. 
“On reviewing the proposal, the height of the development at three storeys is higher than the business it replaces…this will be intrusive and overlook several properties back gardens including my own. 
“I totally understand the need for new housing, but I feel a two storey building would be more in keeping with the local environment and maintain privacy.”
Increased traffic flow and parking in a narrow estate road was also a concern, added Mr Kay.
Nicola Wright echoed these sentiments.
She said: “Access via Firleaze is not appropriate. 
“It is very narrow with pavement only on one side and any additional traffic would prove a menace and potential danger to existing residents - particularly for children and the elderly. 
“There is no scope for any additional parking in the road which would be inevitable for visitors to the flats if access is via Firleaze and North Lane…access for larger vehicles (like) refuse collectors, emergency vehicles would be more difficult if not impossible at times.
“Bakers have been trading from this site for more than 30 years with access to ample parking for delivery vans, lorries and customer cars entering the premises from North Street. 
“There have been no historical problems or accidents under this arrangement, and I see no reason why access should not remain via North Street - the access to the much larger development of Avalon House is just as close to the road junction and that was obviously agreed without objection.”
Mum of three young children Emilie Tomkins, of North Street, also objected.
She said: “Our road is a quiet little road and I am objecting to the increase in traffic past our houses. 
“The road is not big enough to accommodate any more traffic than currently flows down this road and especially towards the actual entry point for the flats. 
“It's is very narrow, and I would argue it isn't even a proper functioning road. 
“The current road isn't well maintained as it is - with several pot holes and a poor surface. 
“The increase in traffic will only contribute to making this worse with no guarantees from the council that they will seek to make repairs or improvements in a timely fashion.”
To read the comments and plans in full click HERE.