Friday 30 August 2013

Have you signed our petition?

Please sign and share our petition with your friends, family and neighbours.

We're trying to save South Stoke plateau, Bath
Our petition is your chance to make Eric Pickles (Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government) and our MPs Don Foster and Jacob Rees-Mogg aware of our opposition to the plan to buld 300 houses on the South Stoke plateau.

The land should enjoy the highest form of protection as it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and is designated Green Belt.

Also, the Wansdyke Scheduled Ancient Monument runs along the plateau’s northern edge and it is a known foraging area for the Greater Horseshoe Bat, one of the UK’s most rare species, plus a habitat for endangered skylarks.

Visit http://chn.ge/11Rn871 to sign the petition.

Wednesday 28 August 2013

South Stoke plateau art exhibition tour

Our art exhibition at Bath Farmers'  Market
An enchanting and captivating exhibition of paintings and drawings showcasing the natural beauty of South Stoke Plateau is to go on show in the villages of South Stoke and Combe Hay.

You can catch the creations (all produced by local artists) at Combe Hay Church on August 31 and September 1 (10am-5pm), then South Stoke Village Hall on September 14/15th, same times.

The aim is to draw attention to our campaign and demonstrate what Bath will be losing if the housing development goes ahead.

The paintings will be sold at a later date (proceeds going to the campaign to save South Stoke plateau).

If you haven't signed our petition already, please visit http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/protect-precious-green-belt-in-bath-from-a-300-home-development

Sunday 25 August 2013

Green Belt building increasing

An article in the Telegraph shows the amount of green belt being for housing building is increasing.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/greenpolitics/planning/10264644/Green-belt-housing-doubles-in-a-year.html

The areas around Bath are mentioned.

Monday 19 August 2013

Our Protest Walk grabs the headlines

Sunday's Protest Walk around the threatened South Stoke Plateau was a huge success.
South of Bath Alliance (SOBA) Green Belt Protest Walk
Assembling at the Cross Keys
We sent a clear message to the Council, the Planning Inspector and our MPs, Don Foster and Jacob Rees-Mogg, that there is fierce local opposition to the proposal to build 400 homes on the plateau.

The coverage we received for the walk, and Sally Muir’s art exhibition at Green Park on Saturday, was phenomenal.

On Friday we were featured on BBC Bristol and The Breeze Bath, and on Saturday Sally was interviewed on BBC Bristol.

South of Bath Alliance (SOBA) Green Belt Protest Walk
Walking around the threatened plateau
BBC News Online ran a story about the protest walk on Sunday, then ITV West were at the Cross Keys to film our protest. And here's a link to a recording of the actual ITV News West item

Finally on Monday, our walk headlined on the Bath Chronicle website and The Breeze Bath followed up with another interview.

If you haven't signed our petition already, please visit http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/protect-precious-green-belt-in-bath-from-a-300-home-development



South of Bath Alliance (SOBA) Green Belt Protest Walk
Taking a breather at South Stoke's Millennium Seat


Sunday 18 August 2013

Save South Stoke plateau protest walk - TODAY!

We're looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible for today's protest walk around South Stoke plateau.

This is your chance to demonstrate to B&NES Council and our MPs, Don Foster and Jacob Rees-Mogg, the strength of opposition to the proposal to build 300 houses on this Green Belt and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) - land that is supposed to have the highest level of protection.

Starting at the Cross Keys on Midford Road at 2.30pm, we plan to walk anti-clockwise around the fields, taking in the Wansdyke Scheduled Ancient Monument and Sulis Meadows.

Family and friends welcome and feel free to bring homemade “Save Our Green Belt” placards.

If you haven't signed our petition already, please visit http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/protect-precious-green-belt-in-bath-from-a-300-home-development

Saturday 10 August 2013

Join our plateau protest walk

Are you opposed to the building of 300+ homes on the South Stoke plateau? If so, please join us for a protest walk around the fields on Sunday, August 18th.

Starting at the Cross Keys on Midford Road at 2.30pm, we plan to walk anti-clockwise around the fields, taking in the Wansdyke Scheduled Ancient Monument, Sulis Meadows and South Stoke’s Millennium Seat.

Family and friends welcome and feel free to bring homemade “Save our Green Belt” placards.

We want to demonstrate to Bath & NE Somerset Council the strength of local opposition to the proposal to build on land which is supposed to have the highest protection - designated Green Belt and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Wednesday 7 August 2013

Art to the rescue

Sally Muir is leading a group of fellow artists to produce a display of South Stoke plateau-inspired artworks that will be displayed at various locations.

Plateau watercolour by Mary Liddell
They are aiming to generate further interest and support for our campaign to save the stunning landscape on the southern edge of Bath from a housing estate of more than 300 homes.

The exhibition will be staged at Green Park Station on Saturday 17th August (Farmers' Market Day). Please stop by and give Sally and her team your encouragement.

They will also be a chance to find out more about the campaign and how you can help the cause.

In the meantime, don't forget to sign and share our petition