Strategy overview and key issues
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7.29 Radstock lies within the sunken valley of the Wellow Brook and is surrounded by hillsides, once used by operating collieries. Radstock Conservation Area is extensive, stretching from Lower Writhlington to incorporate elements of Westfield, described as one of England’s best preserved coal mining towns and the reason for the Conservation Area designation. The Somerset Coal Canal first opened to support the coal industry which was superseded by the tramway in 1814, it was the role Radstock played as a railway logistics hub to the Somerset Coalfield which spurred expansion. By 1874, the town had two stations on separate lines, the first was the Great Western Railway (from Bristol to Frome via Radstock) and the second was the Somerset and Dorset Railway (from Bath to Poole via Radstock). This had implications for Radstock’s morphology, which saw pockets of expansion focused on hillsides close to collieries and away from the heritage core. The town incorporates smaller settlements such as Clandown, Haydon and Writhlington which historically were separate villages.
7.30 The residential areas in the town are served by the town centre which provides a range of retail and other facilities and is proposed to be improved through the Radstock Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan. Other commercial areas are located to the east of the town centre in lowland areas beside Wellow Brook, and the town’s sewerage facility is located further east. Coombe End which runs parallel to the A367 in the west, is an area which lacks formal structure comprising small commercial enterprises and residential housing, a former industrial rail line once passed nearby. The Radstock and Somerset Coalfield Museum is located centrally, and Radstock Town Football Club and Dragonfly Leisure are located towards the southern extent of the town, south of Frome Road. Surrounding Radstock Town Football Club there is a playing field and skate play area, and there are further small scale play areas in other areas of the town and allotments north of Springfield Crescent and south of Manor Road. Radstock has two primary schools and two secondary schools.
7.31 Radstock is served by bus services including on the A367 towards Peasedown St John and Bath. But to the south of Radstock areas such as Haydon and Writhlington public transport options are more limited.
- The pedestrian and cycle movement within Radstock town centre is severed due to the busy A367 which cuts through the centre and the highways layout is overly complex.
- Access to the waterfronts is limited within Radstock town centre.
- Radstock town centre has limited footfall due to the lack of diversity in retail offers, as well as a lack of an attractive food and beverage offer.
- There is a strong network of public rights of way and connections to the cycle path. Local residents would like to see access to the countryside improved.
- Public transport has been reduced in the Somer Valley with some areas having very limited access to bus services.
- The Conservation Area covers a large proportion of the town and the boundaries are being reviewed to possibly extend them.
- The town is surrounded by green hillsides which are integral to its landscape character.
- The town’s mining heritage has shaped its landscape character.
7.32 The following list sets out the key priorities and objectives for Radstock. Many of the priorities can be addressed by new development, and site options have been selected in response to the key issues, priorities and objectives. However, there are some priorities that won’t be addressed through new development but will be addressed through other policies in the Local Plan or initiatives undertaken by the Council or by other stakeholders
- New development should work with the Radstock Town Centre Regeneration Action Plan and help to increase footfall to the town centre.
- New development should complement relevant elements of the Somer Valley Rediscovered Project to provide greater opportunities for people to engage with and enable nature recovery.
- New development should provide a greater choice of transport via sustainable and active travel (walking, cycling, wheeling and public transport). New development can link into the existing public transport network allowing for buses to become more viable.
- Provide homes to meet the needs of the local area, including the provision of homes that are affordable.
- Ensure built and natural environments promote health and wellbeing for all.
- Any additional population must be accommodated within existing schools. Writhlington School has limited capacity and additional development could have a negative impact. As such, the cumulative impact of potential development sites on the secondary schools will need to be considered.