Vision for coastal communities in Severnside unveiled

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An image of the Sevrnside coast looking out to the Severn Bridge

A 30-year vision for Severnside in South Gloucestershire has been approved by South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet.

The new strategic masterplan includes the communities of Severn Beach, Redwick, Pilning, Hallen, Over and Easter Compton, as well as large parts of the Avonmouth and Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA).

The masterplan sets out long-term place-shaping vision for Severnside up until 2050, which will build on the different strengths of the coastal communities and rural villages, the strong economic activity and leisure sectors in the area and the unique natural environment.

It covers infrastructure needs into the future such as transport, green spaces, local services and facilities, energy supply, digital connectivity, flood defences and other opportunities for growth.

The long-term vision has been set out following a six-week public engagement and input from community groups, stakeholders and business networks.

Councillor Steve Reade, cabinet member responsible for regeneration, environment and strategic infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, said: “The Severnside masterplan is an ambitious vision for a unique part of South Gloucestershire.

“I am pleased that community and businesses groups have helped us shape such an important document that will build on the strengths of the area’s economic and environmental potential and benefit those who live, work and visit the area.

“The new Severnside strategic infrastructure led masterplan is about supporting our existing communities and importantly includes recommendations and opportunities to provide greater resilience to the impacts of climate change.”

The masterplan is underpinned by a number of objectives:

  • Supporting existing communities
  • Improving the purpose of and recreational opportunities of blue and green infrastructure
  • Creating resilience against the impacts of climate change
  • Supporting regional employment opportunities
  • Protecting and enhancing the internationally important natural environment and habitats by responding to the nature emergency
  • Contributing to South Gloucestershire Council’s 2030 net zero carbon emissions target
  • Improving access and movement
  • Enhancing the identity and sense of place.

The proposals set out in the new masterplan will require further work before they can be translated into commitments in South Gloucestershire Council’s emerging Local Plan.

The masterplan has been funded by the West of England Combined Authority & Local Enterprise Partnership through the Investment Fund, administered by the West of England Combined Authority.

More information is available on the project webpage, visit www.southglos.gov.uk/severnside-masterplan