Filtonvoice December 2022

Let's all get behind

local shops at Christmas

A new festive campaign from South Gloucestershire Council hopes to encourage people to visit local high streets in Filton this Christmas.

The council is once again supporting the independent traders who make up high streets across the district in the run up to Christmas.

The campaign will highlight everything South Gloucestershire’s high streets have to offer shoppers and families including festive events, a wide selection of local businesses and free parking.

Throughout the festive season the council will be promoting free and lowcost Christmas events taking place in Filton as well as in Chipping Sodbury, Downend, Hanham, Kingswood, Staple Hill, Station Road in Yate and Thornbury.

The campaign also includes a photo competition. To enter, all people need to do is visit their local high street, capture something that represents Christmas spirit and post their chosen

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Contacts

Richard Coulter

Editor and publisher

0777 555 0607 | richard@filtonvoice.co.uk

Shane Gibson

Editorial and Advertising sales 0770 674 1200 | shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

COMPLAINTS

If you have a complaint about anything in the Filtonvoice, contact the Editor using the details below. We take complaints seriously and aspire to follow the Code of Conduct of the NUJ (National Union of Journalists), which holds journalists to a high standard of behaviour.

Further details of the complaints process can be found on the Voice website www.localvoicenetwork.co.uk, or can be obtained by contacting the publisher, above.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Filtonvoice is independent. We cannot take responsibility for content or accuracy of adverts, and it is advertisers’ responsibility to conform to all relevant legislation.

We cannot vouch for any services offered although we have used some of the services. Opinions are not necessarily those of the editor.

Filtonvoice is distributed each month to all Filton residents. If for some reason you do not get a copy, please get in touch or collect one from Filton Library. Feedback is welcomed, call editor Richard Coulter on 0777 555 0607 or richard@filtonvoice.co.uk.

Gales Farm Meats

News Labour confirms Claire as candidate for FABS

Labour has chosen its candidate to fight the next general Election in Filton and Bradley Stoke.

Claire Hazelgrove, a Bristolbased community and political engagement director for a 'social good' company, was confirmed as the candidate and said that while it 'won't be easy' to win, she says local people are calling for change.

Ms Hazelgrove told Filtonvoice last month that one of her priorities would be housing while also addressing concerns about Houses in Multiple Occupation,

She said: "I'm really grateful to have been selected as our parliamentary candidate by local party members.

"While it won't be easy to win here for the first time, I've been out knocking on doors and listening to hundreds of people here all year long, and they've told me they want change.

"Twelve long years of Tory rule, both here and nationally, have left hard working people making impossible choicesbetween heating their homes and feeding their families. Pensioners aren't getting that dignity in retirement they deserve, and young people aren't getting much of a chance at all.

"l will be making the case for a better politics, putting decency, aspiration and local people's voices at the heart of change. I know we need to work hard here to earn people's trust."

Ms Hazelgrove attended the Royal British Legion’s remembrance parade in Staple Hill recently to lay a wreath.

She said: "I’m proud that generations of my family have served in our forces. Seeing one of the oldest veterans and a young schoolchild lay a wreath together was an especially poignant moment in Page Park.”

lights in dark Filton park

By Jane Williams

Despite lobbying the council for almost a year, residents who enjoy walking at Millennium Green in Filton are no closer to seeing any much-needed lights installed in the park to improve safety. The small-but-beautifullyformed green space was created in 1999 and is well maintained with

flower beds, fruit trees and an amphitheatre. However, there are no lights and residents say they don’t feel safe after dark.

Hannah Morley lives close to Millennium Green and walks her Labrador there twice a day. Like many people, because of her

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working hours Hannah needs to walk her dog before and after work and, now that the clocks have changed, this invariably means she must be out in the dark.

In the wake of news stories about women being attacked in dark parks elsewhere, some people who use Millennium Green are understandably nervous. In September, a woman was sexually assaulted while walking through Arnos Vale Park in South Bristol, and two teenage girls were hospitalised after an attack in St George Park last July. The list of assaults on women and girls in parks is worryingly long.

Hannah says: “We message each other to walk together at 7.30am for safety, because as soon as the clocks went back it was too dark. We’re having to rely on each other to make sure we’re safe.”

As a member of the Friends of Millennium Green committee, Hannah and others are calling for lights to be installed to reduce crime, act as a deterrent and make the park safer for all.

“There are often groups of young people gathered on the benches and smoking weed between the trees,” explains Hannah. “I am haunted by the attacks that have happened across the country in the last few years.”

Clare is another user of the park. She highlights that the majority of those at Filton Town Council are men and questions: “The majority of the park users who don't feel safe at night are

women. If a group of men are making a decision on women's safety, then there is a clear lack of diversity in the decision makers, as they have no experience or empathy with the people asking for the lights.”

The Friends of Millennium Green have been lobbying Filton Town Council about the lack of lights and the need for general park maintenance since January. But while the council stepped up

maintenance in the park, nothing has yet been done to progress the lights.

Andy Robinson is an Independent councillor on Filton Town Council. He fully supports the campaign to install lights and says the council previously obtained two quotes although neither was deemed suitable.

He explains that there are two camps of campaigners regarding the lights, however: those who want lights for safety reasons, and a wildlife group who are keen to keep the park in darkness to support nature. However, Andy believes there is a solution that could satisfy both groups, which could be similar to the LED lights installed in Greville Smyth Park in South Bristol.

However, Andy is confident the money is there to pay for the lights once a solution has been found. He said: “Filton Town Council has one of the highest precepts in the UK so the funding for the lights is there. Hannah’s cause is not an unreasonable request.”

There is a short survey for park users, here: https:// www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ FKK3HQ7

'I am haunted by the attacks that have happened across the country'

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photo on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use the campaign hashtag #SouthGlosChristmas and the relevant hashtag for where the photo was taken e.g. #ChristmasInFilton or #ChristmasInThornbury

The competition is open to all ages and abilities. Prizes include a £50 meal-out voucher for the overall winner, as well as vouchers for coffee and cake for the runners up. The competition closes on Monday 12 December 2022. Winners will be announced on Wednesday 21 December.

Full details on how to enter, including a full list of the campaign hashtags, as well as terms and conditions can be found at www.southglos.gov.uk/ shopsouthglos. More information can also be found via the council’s social media channels.

Leader of South

Gloucestershire Council

Councillor Toby Savage said: “Our high streets are the backbone of our local communities providing access to much needed services as well as helping cater for the shopping and leisure needs of local people.

“This year, as households and businesses all struggle with the cost of living, we want our campaign to remind people how important our high streets are in bringing communities together and providing a focal point for many activities.

“I’m so impressed with the array of events taking place across South Gloucestershire and I look forward to sharing Christmas spirit with local people whether its waving at Father Christmas in Thornbury, watching the lights get switched on in Staple Hill or singing carols in Downend.

“I’m also looking forward to judging our Christmas Spirit photo competition. Our high streets always look so magical during the festive season so I’m sure we are going to get some great entries from across the area showcasing Christmas in South Gloucestershire.”

For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/ shopsouthglos

Advertising feature

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Engineer Jared wins national apprentice award

A Filton aerospace worker has been named the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Apprentice winner.

Ministry of Defence Aerospace Engineering Degree Apprentice Jared Newnham, 20, is currently undertaking a placement as an Airworthiness Certification Manager, where he is responsible for increasing air system operational capabilities through risk reduction and type design change embodiment. As part of his apprenticeship, Jared created a robust, regulatory compliant procedure that has been used for multiple complex technical queries and is being rolled out to all projects within the Delivery Team.

In addition to his main duties, Jared, who lives in Filton, has become a keen advocate for engineering within the local community, coordinating an outreach event to promote careers to sixth form students and mentoring struggling classmates. Outside of work, Jared has a keen interest in exploring the outdoors through hikes and amateur astronomy.

On receiving the award, Jared said: “I can’t believe that I’ve been chosen as the IET’s Apprentice winner for 2022. There are so many apprentices doing great things across engineering so to be given this award makes me really proud.

“For anyone thinking about taking up a career in STEM, I would definitely recommend looking into apprenticeships.

My placement with the Ministry of Defence has led to so many incredible opportunities which I will look back on fondly and which will hopefully lead to a long and enjoyable career.”

The IET Achievement Awards exist to recognise individuals from all over the world who have made exceptional contributions to the advancement of engineering, technology and science in any sector. This can be through research and development in their respective technical field or through their leadership of an enterprise.

Professor Bob Cryan, IET President said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Jared who has been making great waves in the world of engineering

despite being so early on in his career. It is inspiring to see that Jared is using his passion for STEM to help teach others about the opportunities available

to them, increasing awareness amongst members of his local community. Each of the award finalists demonstrated an exceptional level of skill and knowledge, spanning beyond their roles which made judging extremely difficult. All have taken on challenging projects and thanks to their creativity and resolve, have had a positive impact in their companies. I wish all of them the best of luck for a rewarding engineering career ahead.”

The Achievement Awards are part of the IET’s Awards and Scholarships programme, which celebrate excellence and research in the sector and encourage the next generation of engineers and technicians. All IET awards seek to inspire and reward engineering excellence, including apprentices at the start of their careers, through to reputable, established professional engineers and technicians.

News Station for new arena delayed until 2026

by BBC LDRS reporter for Filtonvoice

A planned train station by the new arena in Filton will not open until 2026 after delays were blamed on several design changes. The station was initially due to open next year, before the YTL Arena opens in 2024, as a key part of the transport plan to get people to concerts.

North Filton station is one of three new stations opening over the next few years, with services running from Bristol Temple Meads to Ashley Down, the arena, and Henbury. The project, part of MetroWest phase 2, is reopening an old railway line with newly built stations.

As well as the 17,000-capacity YTL Arena, North Filton station will serve thousands of new houses planned for the neighbouring Filton Airfield, in a new development called Brabazon. But it will take at

least another four years before passengers can catch a train to North Filton.

Work on building the three new stations is being led by the West of England combined

authority, and a planning application for North Filton train station has gone to South Gloucestershire council, which has not yet decided whether to grant planning permission.

Another issue is how often the trains will run, with initial plans for just one service an hour.

A spokesman for YTL said: “Responsibility for delivering the station sits with the West of England combined authority and Network Rail. The station is due to open by mid-2026, however the combined authority team is currently looking at options for accelerating the work and we are working closely with them.

“YTL is working with Network Rail and Great Western Railway [GWR] on the frequency of trains, particularly on event days. We have recently submitted a revised planning application to South Gloucestershire Council to increase the number of units on the Brabazon development. This application is based upon a frequency of four trains per hour at peak times.”

A source at the West of England said the delays to North

Filton station were due to several design changes.

These include needing to redesign a footbridge over the tracks, delays to the Henbury station—which impact North Filton as the two are being built together—and the need to do “value engineering and cost avoidance exercises” to keep project costs in control.

According to GWR, trains could eventually run every half hour to the new arena, but this depends on first getting the funding for the upgrades. The current infrastructure cannot run a 15-minute train service, vastly reducing how many passengers can travel to and from gigs.

A spokesman for GWR said: “Services will initially be hourly, with a plan to increase to half-hourly either all day or for evening events, subject to funding. We cannot deliver a 15-minute frequency on the current infrastructure.”

Much further down the line, early stage plans include completing the Henbury Loop

by introducing a new service from North Filton and Henbury along an old existing railway to Avonmouth. This would loop back to other Bristol stations like Clifton Down and Montpelier. A future mass transit system could also include a station at the Brabazon development.

But in the meantime, thousands of people travelling to the YTL Arena will not be able to get directly there by train. Three existing stations are nearby, at Parkway, Filton and Patchway, but these are all about half an hour from the arena on foot. Shuttle buses will also travel to the arena, and a large car park will be built.

Despite the transport issues, Bristol mayor Marvin Rees recently called the arena “Europe’s most sustainable”, during his State of the City Address on Wednesday, October 26. Before he came to office, the previous plan was to build a 12,000-capacity arena next to Temple Meads, a much larger and already existing train station.

He said: “When we came to office, we inherited the components of a plan to deliver a city centre arena, but began to discover the numbers were unravelling. We were faced with borrowing over £160 million to build an arena with a 35 year break-even financial model with all the risk held by council taxpayers.

“The political wind from the council chamber, the Twitterati and commentariat supported building the arena there against the financial intelligence. We could have proceeded with the decision based on this political noise or we could make the right decision based on that financial evidence.

“If we had built the arena, we would have carried that debt and the new building into the lockdown. The financial and reputational consequences of that would have been considerable. Instead, we now get homes, a hotel, conference centre and jobs on Temple Island, and Europe’s most sustainable arena.”

Gridlock warning for north Bristol

North Bristol could face “gridlock” as the construction work for the North Filton and Henbury stations will begin a year after the new arena opens. A giant 17,000-spectator arena will open at Filton Airfield in 2024, while building work for stations next to the arena and in Henbury will begin in 2025.

Councillor Mark Weston, leader of the Conservative group on Bristol City Council, said: “Henbury station is going to planning in early 2023. The business case is then 2024 and construction is in 2025. Now that to me is a year gap at every single stage of the process, and yet this has been planned for years. The Brabazon Arena is opening in 2024. A major part of its traffic and travel plan was to have train stations open in 2024. If those train stations aren’t open, you have gridlock in north Bristol.”

Filton is lit up with wonderful windows

The now annual Filton Wonderful Windows Arts Trail again lit up the darker nights as nearly 40 households created superb displays for families to enjoy.

The trail saw windows across the town lit up from 5.30 - 8.30pm over four evenings in November.

There were refreshment stops at houses on the trail again with hot chocolate, squash, and snacks kindly donated by ASDA Filton.

The organising group thanked local councillors Adam Monk and Chris Wood, who both committed £250 each from their Members Award Funding towards the project. This money funded the cost of printing, workshop facilitation, and publicity, as well as to the cost for resources.

The trail is organised by volunteers Hattie, Helen, Jane, Nikki and Polly, and Debbie at FACE.

Each stop had a collection bucket for charity. This year’s charity chosen by the organising group was the North Bristol and South Glos Foodbank.

Organiser Debbie said: " It was a brilliant weekend with 38 homes having excellent creative displays on show.

"The nine refreshment stops were popular and a great chance for neighbours and friends to chat. Over £350 was raised through donations at the refreshment stops for the North Bristol Foodbank

"If you have any feedback on this year’s trail please complete this short survey: https://forms.gle/q4nYGzqtC12UnWfe6

"If you would like to sign up for next year’s trail, please complete this quick Google form: https://forms.gle/cb1P2GeWBjhAZo2g7."

Next year's trail will be November 10-13th. The organisers would like to thank everyone involved in making this year's trail such a success.

Former shop owner fined for fly tipping

A former Filton vaping shop owner has been ordered to pay a total of £1,588 after South Gloucestershire Council prosecuted him for

James Woods, 27, of Riverside Park in Severn Beach pleaded guilty to the offence of fly-tipping when he appeared at Bristol Magistrates Court.

He was ordered to pay a fine of £615, along with £115 in clear up costs, a further £796 in costs and a £62 victim surcharge, making a total of £1,588.

The court heard that on 11th February 2022 South Gloucestershire Council’s Environmental Enforcement officers, checking local known fly-tip locations, discovered a number of black household waste refuse bags deposited

at the rear of some shops on Gloucester Road North, Filton.

On inspecting the waste, they recovered a letter relating to an

the offence was the owner of The Vape Store on Gloucester Road North, which is located within the rank of shops where the waste had been fly-tipped.

On 8th March, the council’s investigating officer visited Woods at his store and he agreed to be interviewed under caution. He admitted the offence but stated that he had only brought one bag of waste to the location, claiming that the waste was from his home address and had been brought to the shop around Christmas 2021.

He claimed his intention had been to put it into the large Biffa bin contracted for the store, but that was full. He stated he contacted Biffa, and on their advice had placed the waste next to the bin. However, the waste was discovered 18 metres from

address in Brentry in Bristol. Enquiries conducted at that address eventually led them to James Woods, who at the time of

the bin, and he was unable to explain how it had found its way there, or why there was more than one bag of waste.

The council’s subsequent enquiries with Biffa revealed that they received no contact from Woods during December 2021 through to February 2022. Biffa also confirmed that the advice to leave waste next to the bin would not have been given, as to do so would constitute an offence of fly-tipping. In addition, no domestic waste should be placed in their commercial waste bins as to do so would void any contract.

Councillor Rachael Hunt, cabinet member responsible for environmental enforcement at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “This case is yet more proof of our unrelenting commitment to prosecute fly-tippers and I hope it serves as a deterrent to anyone who considers dumping their waste illegally.

“This waste could have been disposed of lawfully at one of our Sort It recycling centres,

but instead it was left discarded and expected that others would clear it away. There is no excuse for fly-tipping, it has a negative impact on our communities and local environment, and we all have a responsibility to make sure that our waste is disposed of in the appropriate manner.

“Our environmental enforcement team has a 100 per cent record of securing successful prosecutions for this type of offence. Anyone who fly-tips in South Gloucestershire is five times more likely to be prosecuted than anywhere else in the country.”

Household or garden waste can all be disposed of at no cost via the council’s Sort It recycling centres www.southglos.gov.uk/ sortitcentres. Residents who see illegal fly tipping are encouraged to report it by contacting the StreetCare helpdesk on 01454 868000, emailing streetcare@ southglos.gov.uk or visiting www.southglos.gov.uk/ flytipping

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Filton remembers Fallen in war remembered in community garden

Residents and schoolchildren gathered at the community garden in Filton on November 11 to remember the fallen in war.

The annual event, organised by Helen Johnson and her community garden team, saw local veterans Bill Knight and Masoud Rashid, along with town council chairman Darryl Collins, lay wreaths at the poppy memorial.

Pupils from CharboroughRoad Primary and Shield Road Primary also laid poppies and a wreath, watched by residents.

Before the two minutes' silence, Bill recited the Ode of Remembrance.

Last Post and Reveille was played superbly by Trinity Academy student Frank Morris.

Members of the garden committee had again created a beautiful setting for the events, with the familiar display of knitted poppies on the fence by the Ring Road.

Filton remembers

Leisure centre work due to start Filton Town Council

You may have seen the temporary car park that has been constructed on the field and be aware of the development work that is due to take place.

We have received confirmation that the works were due to start this week, and from Thursday 24th onwards the car park and one-way system we currently use will no longer be accessible by vehicles. This is due to hoarding around various parts of the building, that are necessary for the start of the demolition work.

These areas will still be accessible by foot and the temporary car park will then be utilised.

Directional signage will be put in place by the developers.

Further communications are being worked on with Active Nation’s marketing department and Filton Town Council.

These changes will no doubt present challenges, so thank you in advance for your patience and understanding.

Filton Town Council

Council offices

The council offices have moved temporarily to the snooker hall while refurbishment takes place at the Elm Park site.

The council is unable to have visitors to the office at the moment but appointments can be made or enquiries made at the Leisure Centre reception – which is now situated at the rear of the building.

Please contact us at office@ filtontowncouncil gov.uk or by phone 01454866698/01454 803918 to arrange an appointment if necessary. If you have an enquiry or wish to report a problem email office@ filtontowncouncil.gov. uk.

Meetings

Council meetings are again 'in-person' meetings at the town council halls at Elm Park.

Details at www. filtontowncouncil. gov.uk

'Largest urban park in SW for more than 50 years'

YTL Developments has received approval from South Gloucestershire Council to create a 15-acre sustainable public park at the centre of Brabazon, the thriving new neighbourhood being built on the historic former Filton Airfield.

Equivalent in size to Bristol’s Castle Park and featuring a 2.5 acre lake, Brabazon Park will be located between The Hangar District and the future 17,000 capacity YTL Arena Bristol. A range of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses and studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments adjacent to Brabazon Park are available to reserve now.

Brabazon Park will be a modern reimagining of Britain’s historic tradition of urban parks and the beating social heart of Brabazon, connecting the new homes and future workspaces with the entire community across North Bristol.

Visitors will be able to wander along the floating boardwalk

around the lake, grab a coffee or a bite to eat at independent lakeside cafés and restaurants, or simply enjoy a picnic or the community events on the public lawns.

Those who are feeling active can challenge friends to a game of table tennis, play petanque, or workout on the outdoor exercise equipment, while children will be able to explore the adventure playground, whizz along a zipline or climb across a bouldering wall.

Seb Loyn, Planning and Development Director, YTL

Developments said: “Brabazon Park is designed for everyone. The range of activities and attractions will bind together the new community at Brabazon and benefit visitors from across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

“Whether it is an early morning jog along the boardwalk, an afternoon outing to the adventure playground with the family or a date-night drink by the lake, Brabazon Park will offer something for everyone.

“Brabazon Park is a new landmark public space, designed to be the heart of the new community for generations to come.”

The design of the park takes inspiration from aviation engineering, aiming to capture the historical, cultural and ecological uniqueness of the

former airfield. One of the highlights of the new green space will be the Heritage Trail, connecting the Brabazon Hangars with Aerospace Bristol Museum and retelling the history of the airfields pioneering past.

Brabazon Park will also support the environment, offering new habitats for birds, insects and animals that connect to other local wildlife corridors. There will be flowers and grasses, mature trees and shrubs, as well as the 2.5-acre lake, home to lakeside aquatic planting that will support sustainable drainage across the new neighbourhood.

The announcement coincides with the release of a new range of houses and apartments at Brabazon, including a selection of premium park-side 4-bedroom homes known as The Wayfarers.

Construction of the Park is due to commence in 2023, with the park due to open in sections from 2024.

www.brabazon.co.uk

Take a fresh look at caring with Home Instead

My support for new Prime Minister

Autumn I have been focused on some of the key issues for our area, crime and transport. We have also seen the election of a new Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Rishi Sunak. His professional background of being the Chancellor of the Exchequer during the pandemic and knowledge of finance is exactly what we need right now as a nation. He therefore has my full support as Prime Minister.

I was pleased to celebrate Diwali on the same day Rishi Sunak became Prime Minister, having been invited to the Indian Heritage Celebration Event at Bradley Stoke Community School with Avon Indian Community Association. At this event I learned about the traditions and great cultural significance of Diwali, especially for the growing community of people of Indian heritage in our area.

On the 14th of October I met with the Police and Crime

Commissioner for Avon and Somerset Police, Mark Shelford who gave me an update on the increased police numbers in Avon and Somerset, as well as his strategy to introduce greater levels of leadership training at all levels of policing. I will continue to support police in tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.

I have also focused on people’s concerns surrounding our local bus services, particularly the cancellations of

bus routes and the unreliability of services, I therefore had a discussion with Doug Claringbold, Managing Director of First West of England who was receptive and understanding of my concerns surrounding service cancellations and reliability. We discussed the challenge of the shortage of bus drivers which is the main cause of these issues with First needing an additional 200 drivers for the region. We also talked about the possibility

of using apprenticeships and part-time staff to reduce these pressures. I will work on an event with First Bus to help increase driver recruitment which would improve reliability and could lead to additional services in April with the next service review.

Over the last few weeks I have also been busy supporting the Poppy Appeal and was honoured to be able to help launch the Stoke Gifford branch of the RBL’s Poppy Appeal on the 28th of October at Bristol Parkway, pictured left. I am very proud to be the Vice President of the branch and volunteer for such a good cause. I am always encouraged by the great response we get from people.

As always, should you need my help with anything, my office is open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 6pm. Please telephone me on 01454 617783 or email me at: jack.lopresti. mp@parliament.uk if I can be of assistance or to book a surgery.

Inspector overturns refusal for eight-bed HMO

by BBC LDRS staff for Filtonvoice

A planning inspector has criticised South Gloucestershire Council for “unreasonable behaviour” as he overturned its decision to refuse eight bedsits in Filton.

The government-appointed expert upheld a developer’s appeal to convert a family home at 15 Braemar Crescent into a large house in multiple occupation (HMO), and awarded costs – a ruling one councillor has called “pretty grim reading”.

In response the local authority says it is disappointed with but accepts the decision and is introducing measures called an Article 4 Direction which will limit some landlords’ freedom to divide properties into shared accommodation.

Spatial planning committee members had narrowly rejected the application by Samuel Padbury, who runs Kasa Real Estate, in February on the grounds that it would adversely affect the area’s housing mix and community balance because of an overconcentration of student digs.

But the inspector, Jonathan Edwards, decided that the council had failed to show there were already too many HMOs nearby, had cited “inconsistent information” and had not explained why it thought the proposal would harm the neighbourhood’s character and appearance.

Mr Edwards’ ruling said: “I conclude the council’s appeal submissions fail to meaningfully explain or justify its objections to the scheme.

“Therefore, the council has failed to properly substantiate its refusal reasons.

“This unreasonable behaviour has resulted in the need for the applicant to submit a planning appeal and so incur unnecessary expense.”

His report said planning permission was granted previously for extensions to the four-bedroom, semi-detached property and that it had a licence for a five-bedroom HMO, so the additional changes would make “no meaningful difference to the balance of the local community or housing mix in the area”.

It said the council introduced new rules in 2021 that capped

the number of bedsits in an area to 10 per cent in a locality and 20 per cent within 100 metres of a site.

But Mr Edwards said this made clear only licensed HMOs, with five or six people, or large HMOs with seven or more occupants, which require planning consent, should be included in assessments, not smaller or unlicensed ones.

The inspector said claims at a planning committee meeting that 11.2 per cent of households in “this part of Filton” were shared accommodation were vague, unsubstantiated and conflicted with the “more convincing” statement by the authority’s top planning officer that this was actually 1.3 per cent.

The report said: “The council’s reasons for refusing planning permission are that the proposal would add to a proliferation of HMOs and so it would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area.

“However, no evidence has been submitted by the council to show where HMOs are in the locality or to demonstrate that there is already a proliferation.

“There is no explanation provided as to which figure the council considers accurate.

“In any event, the council’s submissions fail to explain

in any detail why it considers the proposal would cause actual harm to the character and appearance of the area, regardless as to the level of HMOs in the locality.”

It said this lack of evidence was a “particular failure” given local planning policy was “generally supportive” of shared homes.

The inspector wrote: “On my visit, I saw no obvious signs of any properties being used as an HMO.

“Even if I am incorrect and nearby properties are used for such a purpose, there is no evidence to show how these impact negatively on the qualities of the area.”

Lib Dem Cllr Tristan Clark told the development management committee on Thursday, October 13: “It’s pretty grim reading in terms of the planning inspector’s assessment.

“It was a very difficult application. The planning inspector basically said the refusal reasons weren’t substantiated and were not reasonable.”

A South Gloucestershire Council spokesperson said: “We strive for mixed and balanced communities throughout South Gloucestershire and the council deemed that the addition of an HMO in this locality would add to the already considerable

density of HMOs and be detrimental to the character and amenity of the area.

“We are disappointed at the Planning Inspectorate’s decision, but we accept his findings and will enter into a discussion with the applicant regarding the costs element.

“Although we understand that HMOs can be an important part of the housing mix, we recognise that in some areas they can change the nature of the community and put more pressure on local roads and other infrastructure.

“To help us better manage HMOs we are introducing an Article 4 Direction later this year that will help us take greater control over their growth in parts of Filton (the Stoke Park and Cheswick wards, and Filton ward to the east of Southmead Road and Gloucestershire Road North).

“This direction is intended to help improve our neighbourhoods and give the council more control over the way our communities grow and change by ensuring proposed HMO developments are considered against the council’s adopted Local Plan policies and supporting HMOs supplementary planning document.”

For more information visit https://beta.southglos.gov.uk/ new-local-plan

... while refusal for two large HMOs is upheld

One of Filton's South Glos councillors has expressed his delight after a planning inspector backed the council, which had refused permission for two large HMOs in Gaynor Road.

Developer Andrews Capital wanted to convert the threebed houses, nos 52 and 54, into HMOs.

The appeals referred to two planning applications for each house, to be converted to eight or nine-bed HMOs.

In their ruling, the government-appointed inspector said the appeals were refused because of the effect on parking, in the case of No 54 and 'living conditions' in the case of No 52.

The inspector said: "Appeals B and D at 54 Gayner Road would not make adequate provision for vehicle parking (to avoid congestion), and I cannot be sure that there is sufficient capacity to avoid parking congestion in the area as a result.

"As such, they would conflict

with Local Plan Policy PSP16 and the National Planning Policy Framework.

"Appeals A and C (No 52) would conflict with SGLP Policies PSP8 and PSP38, both of which require that proposals do not create unacceptable living conditions for nearby properties, or prejudice neighbours’ amenities, including as a result of noise or disturbance.

"They would also conflict with the requirement in the Framework for a high standard of amenity for existing users."

Filton councillor Chris Wood said: "I am very pleased that South Gloucestershire Council has successfully refused these applications and that The Planning Inspectorate has supported our decision. We have worked hard to protect

Filton from inappropriate development. Earlier this year we introduced Article 4 directions and have implemented the HMO Supplementary Planning Document. These measures along with other SPDs are now starting to prove their worth."

The inspector added that he understands six-bed HMOs could be created in each house under permitted development.

52, right, and 54 Gaynor Road

n NEWS FROM THE METRO MAYOR

The Beautiful Game shows its ugly side

THE World Cup is upon us.

For fans, it’s usually a time of nervous anticipation. I’d like to be having chats about the formation Southgate will play. Have the team been practising their penalties?! Could we follow the success of the women’s team, and this be the year England finally goes all the way?

This time however, sadly like many other West of England sports fans, I find myself with very different questions on my lips.

How can we celebrate the beautiful game in a state that abuses its own peo ple? Why has Qatar been awarded a global platform to promote itself? What is the world doing in the face of Qatar censor ing and jailing journalists and cosying up to Putin? How can we best call out the terrible human rights abuses, blatant hom ophobia and lack of women’s rights?

There wasn’t a single death in the work to build the London Olympics, which should be a huge mark of pride for our great country. It was the safest Olympic

build in history. In contrast, the current tournament has broken bodies, killed doz ens and maimed and crushed the hopes of abused foreign workers.

And let’s not pretend the Qataris won the hosting rights through merit alone. FIFA’s decision-Making, 12 years ago, was surrounded by rumblings of corruption and bribery. It’s been controversial from the off, because money talked louder than football.

So, what should we do? Of course, I always want my teams - Bristol City and England - to win.

As Harry Kane leads his men out, I hope we can use the power of football to inspire.

We know the World Cup can motivate young people to go out and exercise. We know great cup runs can bring our nation together. The excitement of Euro 96 or reaching the 2020 final last year. It’s also a great chance to back our hospitality sector at local pubs.

But we must also use this tournament

to keep human rights issues firmly in the public eye and to campaign for stronger workers’ rights.

These high-profile international sport ing events come with great kudos and attention for any host country. But it’s the people’s game - so they should come first.

Let’s hope in future the football author ities never place us in this position again where we love our football but are deeply troubled by the circumstances of the tournament.

We are now enabling close contact visits in the home, every resident is able to have an essential care giver, and there is no isolation required for new residents from the community. We still have a varied activity schedule which keeps life interesting and happy.

staff wear PPE at all times and we have ensured a high volume of supply

• Skilled nurses are on site 24/7 and respiratory equipment is at hand

• Safe face-to-face visits where possible

Metro Mayor Dan Norris write for the Voice

Helping our high streets thrive this Christmas

WE recognise that our high streets are the backbone of our local communities, providing a focal point for much-needed ser vices as well as helping cater for the shopping and leisure needs of local people.

That’s why I am delighted to announce we are once again run ning a campaign to encourage people to visit their local high streets and support the hundreds of independent traders we are lucky enough to have in South Gloucestershire in the run up to Christmas.

The festive campaign will highlight everything South Gloucestershire’s high streets have to offer shoppers and families, including an array of free and low-cost festive events across the district to help get you in the Christmas spirit, as well as a

wide selection of local shops and businesses to help tick off those Christmas lists.

And of course, all South Gloucestershire’s council-owned long and short-term car parks offer free parking, making trans porting those gifts home that bit easier too.

Our high streets always look so magical over the festive season, which is why we will also be running a photo competition, where we are asking you to cap ture something that represents the essence of Christmas on your local high street.

For example, this could be a photo of a shop window display, Christmas lights or a Christmas event. We are encouraging peo ple to post their chosen photo on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and use the campaign hashtag

#SouthGlosChristmas and the relevant hashtag for where the photo was taken e.g. #Christ masInDownend or #ChristmasIn Thornbury.

There are some great prizes on offer, including a £50 meal-out voucher, so why not take part?

Full details on how to enter can be found at www.southglos. gov.uk/shopsouthglos and more information will also be shared through the council’s social media channels.

You have until Monday De cember 12 to share your photos, and winners will be announced on Wednesday December 21.

I hope I speak for all of us when I say I am so looking forward to sharing the Christmas spirit with local people, whether it’s waving at Father Christmas in Thornbury, watching the lights

get switched on in Staple Hill or singing carols in Downend.

Please support your local high street this Christmas - and happy shopping!

For more information visit www.southglos.gov.uk/shopsouth glos.

With Toby Savage, Leader of South Gloucestershire Council

www.filtonvoice.co.uk

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

St Peter’s Church: Services

Sunday 4 December

10am Eucharist and 5pm Youth of God group meet at the Rectory Sunday 11 December

8.30am Said Eucharist and 10am Eucharist Sunday 18 December

10am Family Eucharist Sunday 18 December

6pm Nine Lessons and Carols, a beautiful candlelit service telling the Christmas story and singing some wellknown carols

Saturday 24 December

5pm Christingle. A special candlelit family service telling the story of the Christingle

Saturday 24 December

11pm Midnight Mass Sunday 25 December

9.30am Christmas Day Eucharist

Midweek Eucharist continues at 12noon on Wednesdays, however there will be no service on Wednesday 28 December Additionally on Monday 19 December we will be having our annual Carol singalong in the church from 12.30pm. Dress up in your most festive outfits and join us to sing some of your favourite carols!

Christmas Fair

Our Christmas Fair this year will be on Saturday 26th November from 9.30am to 2.30pm in the Church Hall and Coffee Shop. There will be lots of stalls, the usual fun and games for the children, a range of hot and cold refreshments, and a raffle.

Social and Church Groups

Our Ladies' Group meets at 2pm every other Monday in the church hall. Full programme and contact details available on our website.

Our Mothers' Union meet on Thursdays at 2pm in the Coffee Shop. Again, full details on the website.

Brabazon Belles (a social group for women) meet on the first Monday of the month at 7pm in the church hall.

Our Open House group meets every Tuesday in the church hall from 9.3011am for tea, toast, and companionship. Our friendly choir meets for rehearsals every Friday at 7pm in the church.

Our Zumba group meet on Mondays at 10am and 11.15, and Fridays at 9.30am. Contact Jools for more information jooljdh@gmail.com or julie737@zumba. com

Community Coffee Shop

Our friendly, welcoming coffee shop is open from Monday to Thursday, 10am - 1pm for hot and cold drinks, cake and toasted teacakes. Suggested donation £1.50 per item. Please note that the coffee shop will be closed from Friday 23rd December and reopens on Tuesday 3 January.

You can find more information about all of this, and read our weekly news sheet,

by going to www.stpeterschurchfilton. com and if you have any queries, please contact the Rector, or the administrator, who will be only too happy to help. rector@stpeterschurchfilton.com and faith.stpeterschurchfilton@gmail.com

St Andrew's Methodist Church

Sundays

Morning Service 10.30 am. Little Lights (for children whose parents are attending worship).

Tuesdays

Wesley Guild, alternate Tuesdays, 2.15 pm.

Thursdays (Term-time) Rainbows 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm.

Friday

(Term-time) St Andrews Baby and Toddler Group, 10.00 am – 11.45 am, £2 per family, includes refreshments. Play, crafts, chat and singing time.

Saturday

Messy Church, 2nd Saturday of the month, 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm. Crafts, games, short service, and a delicious tea. And it's all FREE!

Outside groups also regularly hire our newly refurbished multi-use church. For bookings, Tel 07773636042. For all other enquiries, please Tel 0117 9872143.

FACE

Mondays: 12.30-1.30pm Tai Chi, £3 entry

7-9pm The Hangout youth club for young people aged 13-25, with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Tuesdays: 10am-12pm Coffee Club (tea & coffee morning for older folk), donations welcomed

5.30-6.30pm Rise youth club for School Years 3 & 4, £2 entry

7-8.30pm Shine youth club for School Years 5 & 6, £2 entry

Wednesdays: 7-9pm Outbreak youth club for School Years 7-13, £2 entry

Thursdays:

Silver Surfers (over 50s IT support drop-in) 10am-12pm, £3 including refreshments.

1.30-2.30pm Low Impact Fitness session, £3 entry

7-9pm Illuminators social club for adults aged 20+ with social or learning disabilities, £2 entry

Fridays: 10am-12pm “Coffee & Chat” coffee morning for anyone who would like to come for refreshments, conversations and join in crafts and games together. Donations welcomed.

Saturdays: 1-3.30pmThe Hub – Wellbeing session for all ages, £2 entry. Variety of activities on offer.

Christmas Fayre

Saturday 3rd December 12 – 3pm. 50p Entry (Over 60’s & Under 8’s FREE!) Santa’s Grotto, Refreshments, Stocking Fillers + Gifts, Raffles + Tombola’s, Games + Fun!

Christmas Sing-a-long Friday 23rd December 11am. Filton Community Garden & FACE would love you to join them for Christmas songs and carols in the Community Garden, song sheets will be provided! Followed by mince pies, chocolate mini rolls and hot chocolate! All are welcome!

Contact: FACE, Youth Centre, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. 0117 9691938 / info@facecharity.org.uk

Girl Guiding

Rainbows – age 4 - 7 years - Tuesday 16:45-17:45 & Thursday 17:30 – 18:30 Brownies - age 7 - 10 years - Tuesday 17:45-19:15

Guides - age 10 - 14 years - Tuesday 17:30 – 19:30 Rangers - age 14 - 18 years - Tuesday 17:30 – 19:30

To register your daughter, go to Girlguiding UK website and follow the link 'Register my daughter'

1st Filton Scouts

Beavers age 6-8, Wednesday 5:45 – 6:45pm

Cubs age 8-10, Monday and Thursday 6:30 – 8pm

Scouts age 10 ½ -14, Tues 6:45 – 8:45pm

The group is based in Scout HQ, Nutfield Grove, Filton, BS34 7LH. All sections are open to boys and girls.

Email:joining@1stfiltonscouts.co.uk Website:1stfiltonscouts.co.uk

Men In Sheds Filton

The DIY group, which aims to tackle loneliness and isolation among men aged over 50, operates from the Scout hut in Nutfield Grove, providing a space to socialise, build, share skills and drink tea. Men in Sheds Filton is part of a national movement, initiated by Age Concern Cheshire in 2009 and sustained by the UK Men’s Sheds Association. The group runs every Wednesday, from 9.30am-12.30pm. Call John Cahill 07986053005

SHE7

Tuesday: Bingo 7.30pm - 9.00pm

Wednesday: Over 50s lunch, Cooked lunch, pudding and tea/coffee for just £3.50. Please ring 0117 969 5130 to book and arrive by 12.15pm.

Wednesday: Bristol Taiko - Japanese Drumming 7.00pm - 8:30pm, £5 per session

International Plastic Modellers Society Avon

Meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday in the month from 7:30pm for 8.00pm at: BAWA Healthcare & Leisure, 589 Southmead Rd, Filton, Bristol BS34 7RG.

Ukulele Filton

We are an enthusiastic group of ukulele players, who meet to strum along and sing on Monday evenings, at 7.30 pm, at Filton Community Centre. No previous experience needed. We have spare ukes for you to try, and plenty of help in getting you started. For further details, phone Sue on: 0750 4561 831.

Upper Horfield Community Trust

Pilates: Every Monday there are two evening Pilates sessions in the Community Room. For session times and availability, please contact Helen at prime-pilates@hotmail.com or on 07966 217313.

Hapkido: Sessions in this Korean martial art take place every Tuesday evening in the Main Hall. For more information, please contact luke.gumbrill@live.co.uk.

Art Classes: Two Watercolour Art Classes with renowned artist Anthony Pace take place in the Community Room every other Tuesday. The first is at 10am and the second is at 1pm. Places are limited, so for availability please contact the Trust Administrator at info@uhct. co.uk or on 0117 9690011.

Yoga: There are Pregnancy Yoga and Postnatal Yoga sessions in the Community Room every Wednesday evening. For session times and availability, please contact Kate at hello@bloomyogabristol.co.uk.

Tai Chi: Tai Chi sessions are held in the Community Room at 2pm on alternate Saturdays. For further details, please contact info@uhct.co.uk or 0117 9690011.

Creative Writing: Free sessions take place every Wednesday at 11am in the Milburn Room.

Craft and Chat: Free sessions take place every Friday at 1pm in the Milburn Room.

Art Classes: Two Watercolour Art Classes with renowned artist Anthony Pace take place in the Community Room every other Tuesday. The first is at 10am and the second is at 1pm. Places are limited, so for availability please contact the Trust Administrator at info@uhct. co.uk or on 0117 9690011.

Yoga: There are Pregnancy Yoga and Postnatal Yoga sessions in the Community Room every Wednesday evening. For session times and availability, please contact Kate at hello@bloomyogabristol.co.uk.

Tai Chi: Tai Chi sessions are held in the Community Room at 2pm on alternate

What's on in Filton ... email shane@filtonvoice.co.uk

Saturdays. For further details, please contact info@uhct.co.uk or 0117 9690011.

Bristol Scrabble Club

Bristol Scrabble Club meets every Wednesday evening from 7pm until 10pm at the Filton Community Centre. Elm Park Filton BS347PS. New members are welcome and first visit is free so come along and give us a try. For more information ring Sheila Hinett 01179570792 or 07435316458. Alternatively email shinett@blueyonder. co.uk.

Bristol Sugarcraft Guild

We are a small friendly group who meet every third Saturday of the month 2pm to 4pm at St Andrews Church, Elm Park, Filton. If you would like to learn to make sugar flowers and models we hold demonstrations and also workshops with instruction. Beginners are very welcome.

Please call Jean Kington on 01454 314178 or Carole Hyams on 0117 956 8037 for more information.

Horfield

Townswomen’s Guild

We will be meeting at St Andrew's Church Hall on the 2nd Wednesday afternoon of each month (except August) at 2pm to 4pm from January 2022. We welcome new members. For more information, please contact Edna on 9495413.

Community Garden

Check facebook.com/ filtoncommunitygarden for updates

Filtones Choir

Come and exercise your lungs and meet new friends every Wednesday afternoon from 1.45-3.45 at St Teresa’s Community Rooms (behind the Church)

71 Gloucester Road North, BS34 7PL.

We sing four-part harmony, so all voice ranges are welcome and there are no auditions. Contact Dot on 0117 9690654 or 07870 984760 or Janet on 0117 9241534 or email dorothy.bryant@ btinternet.com We’ll be delighted to talk to you.

40th Anniversary Christmas Crackers Concert

Saturday 3rd December 7:30pm Filton Community Centre, Elm Park BS34 7PS. Tickets £8 inc. refreshments in advance from Dot Bryant call 07870 984760 or 0117 9690654. Tickets also available at the door *Cash or Cheques only on the door please

Bristol Male

Voice Choir

Bristol Male Voice Choir are recruiting new members. 7pm - 9.15pm, St Andrew's Methodist Church, Elm Park, Filton, BS34 7PS. A varied repertoire. There is no audition, but if you visit our rehearsals and decide to join there is a voice test to find out if you are a baritone, bass or tenor. You don't need to read music - our regular practices will get you in shape to sing at our regular concerts and enjoy the social vibe. www.bristolmvc.org.uk or our facebook page, email secretary@bristolmvc.org.uk or 07764447699.

Ebenezer Church

Sundays Services at 10.30am at Orchard School, Filton Road. Contemporary worship music, bible-based talks, real life stories, refreshments, children and youth groups. www.ebe.org.uk/sundayservices Wednesdays - Footprints (welcoming group for senior citizens) - 2-3.30pm at Ebenezer Church building (286 Filton Avenue, BS7 0BA) - during term time only. www.ebe.org.uk/footprints Thursdays - Taste Cafe (drop-in community cafe for all ages) - 10.30am12.30pm at Ebenezer Church building (286 Filton Avenue, BS7 0BA) - during term time only. www.ebe.org.uk/cafe

Concord Wind Band

We are a friendly, mixed ability band, playing music for fun. Our new address is: Beechwood Club, Beechwood Rd, Fishponds, Bristol. BS16 3T. We welcome new members. Contact Jayne on 07880724948.

Filton Bookworms

group? Come along to the Bookworms monthly reading group at Filton Library! 1st Monday of each month 5:45pm -6:45pm If you are interested in Joining, please as inside the library. Phone: 01454 868006 or Email: Filton. library@southglos.gov.uk

Filton historical group

Programme of talks 2022-2023

Wednesday 26 October - 7.30 pm John & Martha Cossins of Redland Court' - Caroline Bateson Wednesday 30 November - 7.30 pm 'Bristol in the 1950's' - Mike Hooper

Wednesday 22 February - 7.30 pm 'Sharpness to Yate via Shetland, An Industrial Trail' - Jim Pimpernell Wednesday 29 March - 7.30 pm 'The Great Exhibition of 1851' - John Stennard Wednesday 26 April - 7.30 pm AGM plus - 'The Myths & Legends of Sabrina, Goddess of the River Severn' - Nicola Haasz 'Lothlorian'

The meetings will be held on Wednesday evenings in St. Andrews Church, Elm Park, Filton, Bristol BS 34 7PS

The membership cost for the complete program of six talks will be £20 (only a little more than £3 per talk). Guests (or those who wish only to come to selected talks) will be asked to pay £5 per session.

Filton Garden Club

We meet at 7.30pm on the first Wednesday of every month, (except January). We are a very friendly club & welcome new members. If you enjoy interesting talks & slideshows on various aspects of gardens, plants etc., & daytrips to gardens of interest, please come along & join us. We meet at St. Andrew's Church, Elm Park Filton, Bristol BS34 7PS

Dance Moves keep fit

Tuesday at 2-3pm. At St. Peter’s Church. Contact Eileen Scott for further information Tel. 07969929733 Email; scottyartois@hotmail.com

North Avon Speakers Club

We are a public speaking group associated with Toastmasters International. We usually meet every first and third Thursday of the month, at BAWA Filton, between 7:15pm and 9:30pm. Currently we have both types of meetings, In Person Only meetings and Hybrid which allows people to join in online via Zoom. Why not come along in the New Year as a guest, and find out what we are about? Email: northavontm@gmail.com for more details.

Are you interested in joining a reading

E-scooter scheme could be taken over by a new operator next year

A new company could take over th e-scooter scheme - familiar in Filton and Horfieldfrom Voi next year, meaning the scooters for hire on local streets could soon be completely different. E-scooter operators have been asked to bid for a long-term contract to run a scheme across the West of England.

Swedish firm Voi has operated Bristol’s rentable e-scooters since a trial began in October 2020. More than 280,000 people have used e-scooters in the West of England, totalling a staggering 6,000,000 journeys since the trial started.

But now the West of England combined authority is looking for a potentially new operator, or group of operators, to take over the e-scooter scheme on a longer contract.

Voi could bid for the new contract and win again, meaning no change, or another company could win the bid.

Dan Norris, metro mayor of the West of England, said: “The trial has had some notable successes with over a quarter of a million local people using them — which is record-breaking nationwide. But there have also been challenges, including safety.

“I back schemes that encourage people to leave the car behind and help us to meet our ambitious net zero targets. I would very much like to encourage providers to now come forward and explain how they would provide a reliable, safe and affordable service for West of England residents.”

Kicking off the tender process, the combined authority has issued a Prior Information Notice to the market, in its search for a company to take on the e-scooter scheme. A new operator could potentially also bid to run electric bikes and electric cargo bikes, as well.

Voi will run the current e-scooters until the new contract is awarded, so there will be no gap in provision. Voi was approached for comment.

by BBC LDRS team for Filtonvoice

Re-opening date November 24th

The Jolly Fryer fish and chip shop on Filton Avenue was a Filton institution from 1986, run by the Lomvardos family. It saw a revamp in recent years as Ocean Catch but to Filtonians, it was always The Jolly Fryer. And now it's back. What hasn't changed over all the years is the commitment to quality and taste. Now Nick and the team are ready for the next chapter and look forward to seeing all their lovely customers as usual - as Jolly Fryer customers!