Proposed 5G installation in Bleadon to be part of a standalone national network, built on new (untested?), end-to-end 5G infrastructure - what will be the health consequences?

Weston Mercury (29OCT24) states,

"More than a dozen new locations across the UK are to be added to EE’s standalone 5G network rollout by the end of the year... EE launched the upgraded 5G network in September in the four UK capitals and a number of other metropolitan areas. The mobile operator confirmed that the 16 new locations being added [included]... Weston Super Mare...[i.e. in Bleadon]"

 

"Standalone 5G is designed to boost mobile performance as it is built on new, end-to-end 5G infrastructure for the first time, while removing any reliance on older 4G infrastructure, and EE, which is part of the BT Group, has said the network also uses artificial intelligence to reduce power to parts of infrastructure when they were not in use and improve energy efficiency..." What will be the health consequences when they are in use?

 

"With these additional locations, the firm said its standalone 5G network will cover an area of more than 21 million people." A very strong signal to reach that many people? 

The current application consultation 24/P/2145/TEA comment deadline has moved from 13 Nov to 27 Novemember 2024.

Current comments as at 12NOV24 along with 89 pages of Evidence. Has NSC considered the existing and proposed health risks, including any hot spots mapped to NHS health data over the last 20 years?

11NOV24 Bleadon Parish Council Object to 5G Tower in Bleadon Agenda Min 383.9

"Bleadon Parish Council objects to the application on the following grounds: The Parish Council does not consider that it was properly consulted as part of the pre-application process. The Parish Council further notes the view of the relevant District Councillors regarding lack of adequate consultation. The applicant has failed to provide sufficient detail regarding how the potential individual and cumulative negative health impacts (recognised by bodies such as the World Health Organisation) arising from the proposal might be mitigated. The process followed by the applicant fails to recognise that there is a private airfield within the locality. As such, the Parish Council is concerned that the views of the Civil Aviation Authority have not been sought and that this action should be undertaken prior to consideration of the application."

World Health Organistation (WHO) EHC 137 (ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (300 Hz to 300 GHz) 1993) states,

"An RF hot spot may be defined as a point or small area in which the local values of electric and/or magnetic field strengths are significantly elevated above the typical ambient field levels and often 188 EHC 137: Electromagnetic fields are confined near the surface of a conductive object...

There is increasing concern about the possibility that RF exposure may play a role in the causation or promotion of cancer, specifically of the blood forming organs or in the CNS. Similar uncertainties surround possible effects on reproduction, such as increased rates of spontaneous abortion and of congenital malformations" Has this priority research been undertaken in relation to 2G, 3G, 4G and now 5G before rollout? Where are the published results? Where are the longitudinal studies proving safety of use?

NB: 5G operates at 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Inaudible High-Frequency Sounds Affect Brain Activity: Hypersonic Effect (01JUN00)

"In conclusion, our findings that showed an increase in alpha EEG potentials, activation of deep-seated brain structures, a correlation between alpha-EEG and rCBF in the thalamus, and a subjective preference toward FRS, give strong evidence supporting the existence of a previously unrecognized response to high-frequency sound beyond the audible range that might be distinct from more usual auditory phenomena."

 

Wiki Hypersonic Effect "Criticism of Oohashi's studies has been directed primarily at the conclusions regarding listener's preferences the test material; there has been little criticism aimed at the physiological aspect of the studies. Studies cited as contrary evidence did not address the physiological brain response to high-frequency audio, only the subject's conscious response to it. Further investigation of the observed physiological response appears to show that the ear alone does not produce the extra brain waves, but when the body is exposed to high-frequency sound it gives some brain stimulus" (PDF)

World Health Organisation (WHO) Burden of disease from Environmental Noise (2011)

"The health impacts of environmental noise are a growing concern. At least one million healthy life years are lost every year from traffic-related noise in the western part of Europe.

This publication summarizes the evidence on the relationship between environmental noise and health effects, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, tinnitus, and annoyance... Data are still lacking for the rest of the WHO European Region. This publication provides policy-makers and their advisers with technical support in their quantitative risk assessment of environmental noise. International, national and local authorities can use the procedure for estimating burdens presented here to prioritize and plan environmental and public health policies" (PDF) Has further research been undertaken? What was the outcome? What are the effects of the noises we can't hear, i.e. at 2.4GHz and 5GHz?

RNID - How loud is too loud (PDF)

IARC Classifies Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans (31MAY11)

IARC - The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

IARC Classifications image

Classification 2B "This category is used for agents for which there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. It may also be used when there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans but there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. In some instances, an agent for which there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals together with supporting evidence from mechanistic and other relevant data may be placed in this group. An agent may be classified in this category solely on the basis of strong evidence from mechanistic and other relevant data" What is the actual evidence?

British Medical Journal (BMJ)

Stop global roll out of 5G networks until safety is confirmed, urges expert (18JAN21)

"Transmitter density means greater population exposure to high levels of radio frequency electromagnetic fields We should err on the side of caution and stop the global roll out of 5G (fifth generation) telecoms networks until we are certain this technology is completely safe, urges an expert in an opinion piece published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health...

“Until we know more about what we are getting into, from a health and ecological point of view, those putative gains need to wait,” he concludes"

Health concerns, e.g. effect of mobile phones and electric vehicles on pacemakers: What is the accumulated effect of these devices e.g. 5G towers, mobile phones

Pacemaker info:  National Cardiac Audit Program (PDF)

Extract, "15% increase in the use of more ‘complex’ cardiac resynchronisation therapy pacemakers (CRT-P) to improve heart function since 2017/18" Our World in Data Pacemaker Implants Europe and Image

 

5G phones e.g. Samsung Galaxy A22 Instruction Manual (PDF)

Read at least first 20 pages, "Turn the terminal OFF near high-precision electronic control equipment or electronic equipment using low-power signals. Failure to do so may cause the equipment to fail or malfunction by radio wave. * Examples of electronic equipment to avoid Hearing aids, implanted pacemakers or defibrillators, other electronic medical equipment and other automatic control equipment. Users wearing implanted pacemakers or defibrillators or other electronic medical equipment should check with the manufacturer or sales outlet about the effect of radio wave on the equipment... Wearers of the electronic medical equipment such as implanted pacemakers or defibrillators must carry and use the terminal at least 15 cm away from the implanted device. The terminal's signals may affect the operation of the electronic medical equipment.... When you are in a crowd etc. and you have difficulties to keep a distance of 15 cm or more from others, turn the airplane mode on or power off the terminal not to transmit signals." Also note comments on wifi and bluetooth signals.

 

Electric vehicles and their batteries

 

The potential impact of 5G on eyes (17MAR21)

Also, effect on herd as in rural area

Australian Parliament Inquiry into 5G

Report (MAR20)

"1.17 The Committee accepted a large number of submissions which solely addressed concerns over how the deployment of 5G may affect human health. As the Committee is not a health committee, it was limited in its ability to investigate this issue fully. The Committee sought to inform itself about this issue, and refers to it later in the report"

"2.11The NTP conducted two-year toxicology studies in rats and mice to help clarify potential health hazards, including cancer risk, from exposure to RFR [Radio Frequency Radiation] like that used in 2G and 3G cell phones. The NTP noted that the types of RFR used for Wi-Fi and 5G networks were not investigated in their studies"

Submission 517 (PDF)

Mobile phone use and incidences of brain tumours 2.114 ARPANSA informed the Committee of a study, published in the British Medical Journal, which looked at the possible correlation of brain tumours with the use of mobile phones.136 2.115 The study ‘examined the incidence time trends of brain tumour in Australia for three distinct time periods to ascertain the influence of improved diagnostic technologies and increase in mobile phone use on the incidence of brain tumours’ and found ‘no increase in any brain tumour histological type or glioma location that can be attributed to mobile phones." (Karipides K, Elwood M, Benke G, et al. Mobile phone use and incidence of brain tumour histological types, grading or anatomical location: a population-based ecological study. BMJ Open 2018;8:e024489. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2018024489, p. 1.)

 

Rising Incidence of Glioblastoma Multiforme in a Well-Defined Population (19MAY20)

Trends in Intracranial Glioma Incidence and Mortality in the United States, 1975-2018 (01NOV21)

About Glioblastoma (PDF)

--

See also:

• WHO EHC 137 - Hot Spot 
  • "RF hot spots may be produced by an intersection of narrow beams of RF energy (directional antennas), by the reflection of fields from conductive surfaces (standing waves), or by induced currents flowing in conductive objects exposed to ambient RF fields (re-radiation). RF hot spots are characterized by very rapid spatial variation of the fields and, typically, result in partial body exposures of individuals near the hot spots. Uniform exposure of the body is essentially impossible because of the high spatial gradient of the fields associated with RF hot spots.

    A high priority should be placed on research that emphasizes causal relationships and dose-effect thresholds and coefficients"

• Last July 2023 reference 23/P/1448/TEN (that's not under Related Cases?)

  "Notification under Regulation 5 of the Electronic Communications Code for the replacement of 3no. existing antennas with 3no. new antennas, the installation of 1no. microwave dishes & RRU's on the existing monopole, the replacement/installation of equipment within the existing cabin, along with minor ancillary works. THIS IS NOT A PLANNING APPLICATION. | Land At Rear Of Purn House Farm Purn Farm Bridgwater Road Bleadon North Somerset"

   

  This 'application' was received by NSC on Wed 05 July  but there was no consultation deadline - The BPC meeting was on 10 July – so the application came in after the July agenda was published on the 04 July. The 'application' was decided by NSC on Tues 01 Aug, just less than four weeks later. The BPC meeting was on 14 August – so it was decided before the next BPC monthly meeting - Agenda item 368.19.v/vi "To note any planning decisions received since the last meeting...PN Regs (Tel) Noted (unconditional)"  Delegated Report states "There are no requirements for the Local Planning Authority to carry out consultations under these regulations" Decison Notice

National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

The government is “revising the National Planning Policy Framework in order to achieve sustainable growth in our planning system…. also seeking views on a series of wider policy proposals (NPPF) in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects”

Respond to the NPPF Consultation here

before 11:45pm on 24 September 2024

Consultation Overview, Qs, Annotated Document, Outcome of Proposed Revised Method XLS

BOB Draft

How will this affect local decision making, North Somerset land and our related food security, especially in relation to any devolution to a regional mayor via WECA ?

How will this affect North Somerset Council and local decision making, land use and our related food security, especially in relation to any devolution to a regional mayor via WECA? What is sustainable growth in relation to a decreasing UK population? Who will benefit from this growth, North Somerset residents or the ever expanding cities, such as Bristol?

North Somerset Council has delayed its Local Plan to consider its response to the NPPF consultation stating, “The new standard method is 23,805 dwellings in North Somerset over the next 15 years – that’s nearly 9,000 dwellings more than our current Local Plan target. This figure also doesn’t take into account the needs of our neighbours” (31JUL24)

NSC has stated that around 85% of land in North Somerset is at risk of flooding. Also, that enclosed farmland makes up 68% of all land in North Somerset (Climate Emergency Action Plan pg49). If NSC doesn’t protect farmland what will happen to it? Will NSC permit building the 24K houses, solar panel farms, etc. on farmland?

Residents have approached NSC on a number of occasions asking NSC to protect local farming and food security, including asking for a Food Security Emergency to be called.

On 15 Dec 14 local MP Liam Fox spoke out in parliament (skip to 21:58 mins) on behalf of North Somerset and the high extra housing development imposed by central government coming from the Bristol University court challenge wanting to build on Green Belt land. NSC was subsequently asked to increase indentified sites from 14,000 to 21,000 houses. Liam Fox MP said, ".. it must be made clear that greenfield development should come only as a last resort after all brownfield sites are exhausted (See letter from DCLG relating to the Dec 2017 Brownfield Register). Finally, the infrastructure that is needed to support new development, including schools, GP surgeries and, where appropriate, roads must be provided by the developers; the cost must not fall disproportionately on local council tax payers. (See related Blog on Weston General Hospital A&E night-time closures starting 4 Jul 17). In North Somerset we are facing an expensive fiasco that is undemocratic and producing unsustainable outcomes. We have been very patient, and our very competent council has been extremely co-operative. Now we need answers." 

Liam Fox MP also said, "We seem to be in a ridiculous position. The plan [NS Core Strategy] was put forward in 2011, agreed by the inspector and adopted in 2012, yet here we are at the end of 2014. If I am not mistaken, at the end of 2015, we will begin the planning period in which we will look at housing allocation through to 2036. It would be the height of absurdity if we were one of only four councils in the sub-region to be asked not only to look at our 2026 housing allocation, but to start the process all over again at the end of next year and look at the 2036 allocation. Surely this is a complete waste of public resources, as well as being utterly contrary to what my hon. Friend the Minister says is the Government’s aim, which is to encourage greater localism." (current allocation of 20,985 is only up until 2026 so NSC will be looking for more sites). The Minister of State, DCLG representative Brandon Lewis replied "My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that we want to encourage localism. That is why we want the decisions to be made locally ... I am happy to discuss this issue with my right hon. and hon. Friends in greater detail at an appropriate point and to write to them to outline the detail behind their queries" (Link to Hansard Transcript and further information.)

---

See also:

• NSC Local Plan Consultation 2039 BOB Blog

NSC outlines the ambition to look towards the West of England as a devolution geography and explore the benefits of a mayoral deal under the existing model.

North Somerset Council state the government, "... advised that their devolution ambition is to devolve new powers over transport, skills, housing, planning and employment support with more regions to benefit from integrated settlements based on certain mayoral conditions" NSC appear to have pre-determined a preference for regional 'Mayoral' governance in its response in Appendix 1. How will a regional mayor affect local democracy? What powers will residents and NSC lose?

UPDATE 18SEP24: NSC Executive meeting outcome

 

Public Question (at 16mins) and NSC discussion (at 21mins)

Council Committee Financial Position/Budget Devolution Discussion (at 44mins-1hr26mins)

Links to NSC Food Security Correspondence

North Somerset Council, "... recognise the need to make the case for additional funding and powers for the whole of the West of England in order to underpin any expansion to include North Somerset" WECA region or North Somerset residents benefit first? "It is unclear what timelines will be forthcoming with the new devolution bill, but together with partners we would be mindful of planned electoral cycles"

Is North Somerset Council being pressured into this regional approach due to its £12million debt and government withdrawal of our public funds for local spending, including funds via WECA's Local Economic Partnership? [NB using a figure of £12million debt would leave NSC with no financial reserves!} Is it considering local democracy, governance and accountability? Will residents still be able to interact with key decision making or will this power be devolved to the metro mayor? How much rural land and food security will be sacrificed for continous urban 'growth' for the UK's continuing population 'decline'?

NB: According to Wiki there are currently only 11 Combined Authorities in the country see map. (PDF) So why are local authorities being pushed towards a mayoral model? Why can't fund flow directly to the unitary authority area? Listen to current NSC budget problems due to regional and national budget allocations. What will be the effect on parishes as NSC devolve services upwards to WECA and downwards to parishes? Will parished precept taxes rise and be added back to the council tax bill? (What are parish precepts?)

Homes England review recommends offloading...  building safety Greater Transparency is required -  Homes England is an officer to WECA - see Companies House officers below? - What will be the relationship between WECA  and North Somerset Council with regards local priorities, expenditure, home building, future responsibilities and liabilities? Examples

• Grenfell Tower is in the Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (local decision makers) and also in the Greater London Authority (regional/mayoral decision makers), who was responsible for what aspects of this commissioning, payment, safety, signoff, etc.? (15SEP24)
• Homes England is set to receive just 0.1 per cent of the £69m it is owed by Ilke Homes, after the firm’s administration process was hit by equipment theft and problems selling completed modules... There is always an inherent risk when investing in new technologies with new business models that look to do things differently, but we remain committed to encouraging greater use of MMC [Modern Methods of Construction], supporting its growth, and diversifying the housing market.” (24OCT23)

Item 6 on the NSC Exec meeting agenda states, "North Somerset Council's response to Government's invitation around devolution (Pages 17 - 22) "

Report of Councillor Bell (Leader of NSC)

• Para 10. "Options Considered We have the option to respond declining the government’s invitation for exploratory conversations, which is felt unviable given North Somerset’s financial context and ambition." How will its 'ambition' affect local taxes and decision making?
• "Alternative geographies have been considered, however the West of England is North Somerset’s primary Functional Economic Area and is therefore being explored as our preferred option. We do not rule out alternative options in the event this becomes undeliverable."
• "The benefits of a mayoral versus non mayoral model will be explored through dialogue with government." What about the dis-benefits of having a mayor? What powers will local people lose?

• Para 2.1 "The Government have established a Council of Nations and Regions to bring together the Prime Minister, the leaders of the devolved administrations and metro Mayors to drive growth" How will governance and work with local democracy? How will decisions be made for NSC residents benefit, not only 'the greater good'? How will our land and food security be managed and protected?
• The government “... will not force places to take on a metro Mayor" If NSC join WECA do residents have to have a mayor by default?
• Para 2.1 "The council understands that Combined Authorities have been invited to share their ambitions for their places through a Growth Plan and that the West of England Combined Authority’s response will be published at their next committee meeting 20th September 2024".Surely this should say 'our' not 'their' places? What is North Somerset's need as opposed to Bristol, South Glos and BANES needs?

Things to consider:

• Populations are different in the four regions
  • approx Bristol 483K (42%), South Glos 263K (23%), North Somerset 203K (18%) & 196K (17%) - will any vote/referendum, if offered, skew outcomes? especially if areas vote together. What will happen to NSC land and food security?
• BBC 2016 NSC vote against West 'Metro Mayor' plan during government £1bn devolution plan.
  • " Mr Ashton also said any future "resources or powers" would be controlled autonomously by the proposed mayor leaving the local authorities "with no say in it whatsoever".
  • "We have worked hard with our fellow West of England partners to get the best available deal for the area, but too much remains that we are not prepared to support". He said the money offered would have to be borrowed, with around £400m spent on interest rates. (17JUN16)C
• Current NSC Leader, Mike Bell, stated in the Draft Corporate Plan (pg7) (now removed from its final  consultation version)
  • "Weston-super-Mare – our largest town is set to become the second biggest settlement in the West of England over the next decade." At the 4 October public meeting Cllr Mike Bell, confirmed that this would be second to Bristol!  
• The current NPPF Consultation Q19c states
  • "c. Maximising delivery in urban areas: the new formula increases targets by more than 30% across our Mayoral Combined Authorities, relative to the existing standard method. This better aligns with the ambition of our local leaders, and[footnote 5] will maximise agglomeration benefits by increasing the contribution new housing makes to economic growth. This approach will also make the most of our transport hu bs, support the objectives of brownfield-first and gently densifying urban areas, including building upwards where appropriate."
• Weston Mercury (12SEP24)
  • "The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) was created in 2017. It takes charge of some large strategic areas such as transport and is run by an elected metro mayor , currently Dan Norris" (15SEP24)
  • Ms Rayner said: “While we will not force places to take on a metro mayor, we will not shy away from making the case for their huge advantages, with some powers continuing to be reserved for institutions with directly elected leaders, such as mayoral combined authorities.”
• The Guardian England’s metro mayors make a farce of local democracy. They must be scrapped
  • "Towns and cities should have properly elected mayors, as is common in other democracies"
• First steps towards global governance and control via C40 Cities?
  • "C40 is a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action... Is this 'action' in local residents benefit or global governance and controlled decsion making?
  • Our Leadership Standards set the minimum requirements for all member cities and safeguard the integrity of C40 as a network of climate leaders. Membership operates on performance-based requirements, not on fees, and every city in the C40 network is reviewed annually against our Leadership Standards."
  • NSC is a member of the UK100 Countryside Climate Network. This is directly linked to C40 City Mayors via 2020 report pg7&15). Where do NSC intend to build new housing - on farmland or brownfield sites )? How is NSC managing any woodland or tree projects in relation to agriculture and food security needs?
• Wales
  • Wiki states, "Although Wales is included in the legislation, only one Welsh authority, Ceredigion, held a referendum on such a proposal, in May 2004. Over 70% of the voters voted against the proposal"

Dept for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Letter 05MAR24

• "Ministers are concerned as to the West of England Combined Authority’s capacity to comply with its Best Value Duty" and issued a Notice "... following inconsistent action against concerns highlighted". The concerns we’ve identified include: " 
  • The poor state of professional relationships between the West of England Combined Authority Mayor and the representatives of the constituent members of the Authority which is impacting partnership working and potentially limiting the authority’s ability to optimise strategic opportunities.
  • The Authority’s constitution needs review and clarification to work in a more effective and agile way.
  • The function and purpose of the Authority has not been collectively understood and the roles, responsibilities and ‘powers’ of a combined authority are not fully grasped, resulting in confusion between strategic governance and day to day transactional activity.
  • The Authority lacks a clear, shared narrative regarding the West of England and how it will operate for the benefit of the wider region."
• "Whilst the Authority may continue to receive and be awarded government funding whilst under this Notice, we would emphasise that receipt of funding does not indicate the Department’s broader view of the performance of the Authority, nor would it indicate any change in the status of this Notice, with individual funding programmes being managed and assured independently by their respective departments. This Notice will remain in place for 12 months, after which time, should the Department deem it necessary to continue to seek assurance through such a Notice, the Notice will be reissued"

What is the ownership and governance of WECA? What are the voting powers of residents in this process? Which individuals are accountable to the public in the decision making, expenditure and outcomes?

Companies House West of England Combined Authority?

• One Appointment - 25MAR24 BRISTOL TEMPLE QUARTER LLP (OC451571) 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS1 6AL
• Filing History
  • Incorporation on 25MAR24 three weeks after Ministers concerns and letter above:
    • change of Relevant Legal Entitiy from The Homes and Communities Agency (Trading as Homes England) to Bristol Temple Quarter LLP 21AUG24,
    • Member's details change from The Homes and Communities Agency (Trading as Homes England) to Bristol Temple Quarter LLP21AUG24
• 3 People/Officers (15SEP24)
  • Bristol City Council
    • One Appointment 25MAR24 - City Hall, College Green, Bristol, England, BS1 5TR
    • BRISTOL TEMPLE QUARTER LLP (OC451571) (15SEP24)
  • THE HOMES AND COMMUNITIES AGENCY (TRADING AS HOMES ENGLAND)
    • One Appointment 25MAR24 - The Lumen, 2nd Floor, St James Boulevard, Newcastle Helix, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom, NE4 5BZ
    • BRISTOL TEMPLE QUARTER LLP (OC451571) (15SEP24)
  • THE WEST OF ENGLAND COMBINED AUTHORITY (WECA)
    • One Appointment 25MAR24 - 70 Redcliff Street, Bristol, United Kingdom, BS1 6AL
    • BRISTOL TEMPLE QUARTER LLP (OC451571) (15SEP24)

WECA Structure, Ownership and Governance

• Who They Are
  • "The Combined Authority was set up in 2017 to make decisions and investments that benefit people living and working in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Together, our aim is to deliver economic growth for the region and address some of our challenges, such as productivity and skills, housing and transport." Although NSC is involved?
• Committee Structure (15SEP24)
  • "The Committee takes key decisions on matters affecting our region, including funding projects through the regional Investment Fund
  • ... chaired by the Metro Mayor, and is made up of the Leaders from our three constituent councils: Bath & North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Council"
  • "The Chair of the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) also attends committee meetings in a non-voting capacity"
  • " Overview & Scrutiny Committee: ... made up of 11 councillors drawn from across our three constituent councils. Its role is to review and scrutinise the work of the Combined Authority; it can also make reports or recommendations to the decision-taking committees. Three councillors from North Somerset Council are observers at these meetings and able to comment on matters that affect North Somerset."

If you see a footpath or public right of way that needs attention - report it to North Somerset Council

Bleadon has over 20 public rights of ways as maintained by North Somerset Council (NSC) and the associated landowners. If you think any need some work please contact NSC here.

Future plans for PROW can be found in the NSC Improvement Plan. These are the government stated NSC and Landowner responsibilities (07DEC15 & 04JAN24).

Purn Hill
Allotment
South Hill
Celtic Way
Roman Road
Shiplate Road

Bleadon Laybys have also received some attention:

West End
East End

Also the footpath entering the halls has been widened

Adjacent to village toilets

Resident asks North Somerset Council Executive to declare a Food Security Emergency. Show your support for local farmers by contacting your district councillors, NSC Planning Dept & MP.

On the 17 July 2024 a resident addressed North Somerset Council Executive asking them to call a Food Security Emergency. This was based on the fact that, if the council has called a Climate and Nature Emergency, and food depends on both the climate and nature, then it follows that there will be a food security issue.

(NSC Video at 13:55 mins)

Contact info:

• North Somerset, represented by Labour MP Sadik Al-Hassan Weston-super-Mare, represented by Labour MP Dan Aldridge Wells and Mendip Hills, represented by Liberal Democrat MP Tessa Munt
• Distr Cllr Solomon  and District Cllr Porter
• Bleadon Parish Council
• North Somerset District Councillors
• North Somerset Council Planning Policy Team regarding the Local Plan

Related links:

	CO2Coalition website and Quiz
	Engaging Local Authorities Sustainable Food Places 2018 (PDF)
	Bridport Food Security Plan (PDF)
	New Sustainable Food & Farming Conference for the South West 22-23 November 2024 Bath & West Showground and Global Summit Version

-----

See also:

• Farmers Protection Dropped
• NSC Local Plan Consultation 2039

Your chance to support your rural community for generations to come

BOB's previous comments on a potential Rural Strategy (NIOV23)

---

See also:

• NSC Local Plan Consultation 2039
  • Comments arising
• NSC Biodiversity Plan Consultation
• NSC Corporate Plan and Budget 2024-2028

Bleadon’s Annual Parish Meeting is this Monday, 29 April 2023, 7pm at Bleadon Village Hall

Previous minutes

--

See also:

• See previous 2023 blog

The proposal is for the Gorge to be closed to vehicles initially once a month but MHNL state, “This is only the beginning…"

The Mendip Hills National Landscape Team (MHNL) has launched a public consultation to gather feedback, and invite you to share your feedback on the proposals via the survey here (Overview & Questions)

The consultation period will run from Wednesday 31st January to Tuesday 12th March 2024. This will help to shape the next steps agreed, so your feedback is important.

The proposal is for the Gorge to be closed to vehicles initially once a month. MHNL state, “This is only the beginning… We hope through the proposed ETROs we can improve the visitor experience and look forward to exploring more opportunities in the future.”

This follows feedback from local residents and businesses about the volume of traffic and anti-social driving in the Gorge, which could impact safety and people’s enjoyment of the area.” However, “...initial conversations with stakeholders, some businesses and organisations expressed concerns about the regulation impacting local businesses and car parking. Our proposed approach reflects these comments. The experimental order is intended to test an approach to understand how it could address the feedback received during previous discussions.

MHNL “want to create an experience that is fitting for a naturally beautiful and significant visitor attraction like Cheddar Gorge. … When the order is in place, Cliff Road (B3135) would be closed to vehicles from above the formal car parks to the Black Rock car park.”

This would allow walkers, cyclists and other visitors the chance to enjoy the Gorge more safely and enhance their visitor experience. For Cheddar an accessibility strategy was prepared setting out a range of short and longer term projects aimed at delivering sustainable transport improvements and enhanced accessibility.

See :

• Cheddar Gorge Public Realm Regeneration Project Report
• Appendix 1 Cheddar Levelling Up Fund Engagement Report
• Cheddar Accessibility Strategy

MHNL state, “It would offer opportunity for meet-ups, activities and events to be held in the Gorge and chance for everyone to enjoy one Britain’s most spectacular natural landmarks… Businesses throughout Cheddar remain open as usual during this time, as will the car parks at either end of the Gorge.

MHNL “will share any further updates on this website. You can also leave your email address in the feedback form to receive project updates.

For further information, you can contact the project team on CheddarGorge@distinctivecomms.co.uk or call 0330 107 0535.

---

See also:

Bleadon Road and Bridge Road Closed -  'trial' one way diversion up Celtic Way

Bleadon Road will be closed from 08 Jan 24 -28 Jan 24 (Notice of Intent)

Bridge Road will be closed from 08 Jan 24 - 04 Mar 24 (Notice of Intent)

Updated road closures at https://one.network/uk/northsomerset (Search for Bleadon)

UPDATE 15JAN24 The road closure presentation was well attended, 80-100 people. Presentation here.

UPDATE 09JAN24 Following last night's council meeting (Min 373.9.2)  BPC call a residents meeting 15 January 2024 at the Bleadon Youth Club at 7pm

SOME BOB FEEDBACK

- school pickup/drop off, serious danger of children crossing the road

- we can discuss issues but will NSC listen?

- passing vehicles on narrow road, some maneuvers requiring large vehicles reversing up/down hill (collision concerns)

- traffic causing extra pedestrian issues as no footpath

- traffic signs at Queens Arms/Celtic Way/Shiplate Road junction forcing cars out into the middle of road in both directions (collision concerns)

- Celtic Way and Bleadon Hill grass verges being churned up

- potential damage to people's property at the edges of the narrow road

- Traffic speeding through Bleadon Hill and Celtic Way

- loss of businesses (incl Bridge Road, Jeff Brown petrol stations/shop services, Brent Farm) - clarity of one way needed

- timescales needed to be confirmed

- mid winter snow and dangerous icy conditions (slipping and gritting issues)

- there are weight restrictions, how can large vehicles go over the hill via Celtic Way and Totterdown Lane?

- traffic problems exaserbated by current road closures on Roman Road and Celtic Way

- increased traffic through the lanes in/out via Shiplate Road (incl from Cheddar/Axbridge direction up/down Celtic Way) 

------

BOB received an email from a resident regarding the road closure and diversion up Celtic Way.

North Somerset Council states that it has "... carefully considered all alternatives and a one way system is to be trialled. Once the works are in progress we will continue to work with the developer to monitor how the traffic Management is working and will make adjustments if required."

As this is a trial residents should make any concerns known to North Somerset Council as soon as possible.

Temporary lights were installed in 2015 as indicated in BPC's newsletter at the time (BVN101, page 8).

The reasoning against installing traffic lights this time is described in BPC's 08 January Agenda (Min 373.9.2):

 

 

 

"2. Closure of Bridge Road

 

2.1 The works at the quarry necessitate the closure of Bridge Road for an extended period of time from 8th January 2024. The Parish Council was consulted about these requirements and indicated its expectation that temporary traffic lights would be installed at the Bleadon Road junction to enable traffic to safely enter and leave the village. The Council’s position was supported by Edenstone who included this requirement in the scheme submitted to North Somerset Council. The subsequent determination by North Somerset Council was that a more appropriate solution was to allow for access only through the Bleadon Road junction from the A370 and, as a consequence, to expect all traffic exiting the village areas to do so via Celtic Way.

 

2.2 It is evident that there has been a considerable amount of work to co-ordinate the required utilities work and minimise the requirements for further closures of Bridge Road. However, the use of Celtic Way – including for construction traffic – is considered inappropriate. There has been a significant amount of correspondence prior to and over the Christmas and New Year period to try and seek a better outcome than the one agreed by North Somerset Council. A number of Councillors have also met with representatives of Edesntone – who continue to support the Parish Council’s position. The two Ward Councillors have also been fully engaged and have registered their concerns regarding the appropriateness of the diversion. 2.3 A further update will be provided at the meeting"

 

This road closure is published on NSC website at https://one.network/uk/northsomerset (Search for Bleadon)

-----