'It's a huge win to have secured policy backing for the campaign to protect Penny Field. Whilst this is a victory, there's still more to be done.' - Councillor Smith
Councillor Smith has secured an amendment, inside the approved Local Plan, to the development schedule for Penny Field.
This places a requirement for any development to preserve an element of open space. Plus, the retained open space will remain eligible for future local green space designation.
In addition to this, Councillor Smith has requested and received assurances that North Somerset will preserve its ownership of the site. As the planning authority and landowner, the council will have the strongest possible voice to preserve an area of open space.
The Land Yeo will require a minimum 2m maintenance strip along the bank.
The top half of Penny Field is the most significant for biodiversity purposes.
Clevedon Town Council recommended that North Somerset Council split the site in two, protecting the top half (river side), and developing the lower half (closest to Churchill Avenue).
With Councillor Smith's schedule amendment requiring an open space, our hope is that the top half of Penny Field will be protected.
