Developers have provided an update around the Chief Trading Post development in Oldland Common, South Gloucestershire, as work continues on the site. Local residents had previously been left confused and in need of specific details, mostly around whether there will be a new Chief Trading Post garden centre and café, as well as affordable homes and a GP surgery as plans first illustrated.
Speaking with Bristol Live, developers Deeley Freed said that the housing phase of the site has since been sold to Countryside Partnerships, who are delivering the housing for Alliance Homes. They have confirmed that all 50 homes on the site will be 'affordable', as opposed to the 35 per cent figure stated in the outline planning application approved last year.
The developers added that the Chief Trading Post retail shop and café will be delivered by the Chief's owner, which is currently "seeking to amend the design". It is believed that construction is expected to start on the new Chief Trading Post later this year, subject to planning approval.
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Developers at Deeley Freed added that the GP surgery is still "part of the plans and the land is still available for them". Back in 2021 when news of plans first broke, it was reported that Hanham Health medical centre would move onto the new site in Oldland Common.
Developers have now said that "there are ongoing discussions with the local doctor's surgery about the project" adding that "the funding of the doctor's surgery is a matter for them" and not within the control of the developers themselves. It is understood by Deeley Freed, however, that the surgery is seeking the "necessary government support".
The story so far...
Proposals were first submitted to South Gloucestershire Council in the summer of 2021 to fully redevelop the site for a mixture of uses, including residential, retail, supported housing and healthcare. According to Deeley Freed's webpage dedicated to the development, "the scheme is being designed to maximise green open space and create a vibrant mix of community uses".
The proposal also mentions the fact that there is an ancient Roman road beneath the site, with the surrounding landscape being completely untouched and significantly overgrown. Developers write: "When our teams set about clearing vegetation at the eastern end of the site, they discovered two cars and a digger hidden in the undergrowth!"
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According to Alliance Homes, the properties on the site look set to be one to four-bedroom homes, evenly split between rented properties and those available for shared ownership. Along with the outline planning permission for 50 homes and a doctor's surgery, full planning permission has been given by the council for a new shop and six 'supported homes', too.
There had been much confusion around plans following a consultation period by Alliance Homes, as their plans only revolved around the housing side of things and did not include the retail or doctor's surgery elements. The Chief Trading Post itself has been a beloved landmark in the local area, boasting a farm shop, garden centre and idyllic cafe.
Locals enjoyed browsing the quirky, one-of-a-kind, home decor that had been picked up on the owners' travels and settling in all year round for a Ploughman's lunch, panini or a slice of homemade cake. If you were to venture around the site even more, you may have spotted some of the weirdest and most wonderful statues and sculptures - everything from a native American chief, to the Blues Brothers and even Elvis - and it was always a rush to grab yourself a spot in a giant plant pot-esque structure, known as 'The Pod', where you could tuck into your meal in complete privacy.
Back in September 2021, owner of the Chief Trading Post, Roland Tanner, said that a more modern premises would "safeguard the future" of the business, as well as the fruit wholesalers Tooty Fruity and dog groomers, Kelsey's Pad, who also traded from the site. Both of these businesses moved from the site when the Chief Trading Post eventually closed in December 2022.
