A Christmas reminder, that 1 in 7 Christians worldwide live in situations with at least “high” levels of persecution and discrimination

In this country, on the 6th May 2023, the King took the Coronation Oath to:

• "... maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law..." and to
• "... maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England".

However,according to the House of Commons Research Briefing (Report 28MAR25 and Overview)

• 1 in 7 Christians worldwide live in situations with at least “high” levels of persecution and discrimination, including 1 in 5 in Africa and 1 in 7 in Asia. This compared to 1 in 8 worldwide in 2021
• 7,679 churches and Christian properties were attacked in 2024, around half the 14,766 in 2023.
• More than 380 million Christians live in situations subject to “high levels of persecution and discrimination”. This compared to 340 million in 2021.
• 4,476 Christians were killed for faith-related reasons in 2024.
• where attacks on Christians have become more common since 2020 as part of a wider rise in political violence against civilians,
• Open Doors estimates the number of Christians killed for faith-related reasons worldwide was 4,998 in 2024, 5,621 in 2023, 5,898 in 2022, and 4,761 in 2021.
• North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan had the highest rates of reported persecution against Christians.
• Watch list by country interactive map and pdf.

You can invite your MP to the World Watch List parliamentary launch on Wednesday 14 January 2026, where they’ll hear testimonies of persecution and recommendations on how to respond - with a simple submission form to your MP (PDF) 

"In the 2024-25 parliamentary session, Jim Shannon MP has introduced a bill to put the role on a statutory footing The Labour Government says it has no plans to legislate in the current session.

"While the Conservative Government supported the bill and it passed all its Commons stages, proceedings in the Lords were not completed by the time the 2024 election was called and the bill did not become law.

"In the 2019-24 parliament, the then Special Envoy for FoRB, Fiona Bruce MP, introduced a Private Member’s Bill, International Freedom of Religion or Belief Bill 2022-23 (Bill 373), which would have placed the role of Special Envoy for FoRB onto a statutory footing. The bill would have required the government to provide staffing and other facilities to support the office." (Parliamentary Research Briefing)

"Despite the very real threat of persecution, hundreds of millions of Christians—effectively entire populations—remain steadfast in their faith, at great personal cost. They willingly risk their livelihoods, their families and even their lives to uphold their beliefs. Their resilience in the face of oppression is testament to their unwavering conviction, and their strength should not go unnoticed. It is imperative that we advocate on their behalf, ensuring that they receive the fundamental freedoms that so many of us in democratic societies take for granted. To ignore their plight is to turn our backs on the very principles of justice and human dignity that underpin free nations" (House of Commons Westminster Hall Debate Persecution of Christians 08 April 2025 and video)

"The World Watch list is an annual report published by Open Doors, an NGO which supports Christians worldwide, and lists the 50 countries in which Christians face the “most extreme persecution”. A parliamentary launch for the latest report, which covers 2024, was held in January 2025.

"There is no internationally agreed definition of persecution. Open Doors’ methodology defines persecution as: Any hostility experienced as a result of one’s identification with Christ. This can include hostile attitudes, words and actions towards Christians.

"This broad definition includes (but is not limited to) restrictions, pressure, discrimination, opposition, disinformation, injustice, intimidation, mistreatment, marginalisation, oppression, intolerance, infringement, violation, ostracism, hostilities, harassment, abuse, violence, ethnic cleansing and genocide." (Parliamentary Research Briefing)

Extract from the King's Coronation Oath 6th May 2023 

The Archbishop says"

• Will you to the utmost of your power maintain the Laws of God and the true profession of the Gospel?
• Will you to the utmost of your power maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law?
• Will you maintain and preserve inviolably the settlement of the Church of England, and the doctrine, worship, discipline, and government thereof, as by law established in England? 
• And will you preserve unto the Bishops and Clergy of England, and to the Churches there committed to their charge, all such rights and privileges as by law do or shall appertain to them or any of them?

The King replies 

• All this I promise to do.The King places his hand on the Bible and says 
• The things which I have here before promised, I will perform and keep. So help me God. The King kisses the Bible.

The Archbishop says 

• Your Majesty, are you willing to make, subscribe, and declare to the statutory Accession Declaration Oath?

The King replies

•  I am willing.I Charles do solemnly and sincerely in the presence of God profess, testify, and declare that I am a faithful Protestant, and that I will, according to the true intent of the enactments which secure the Protestant succession to the Throne, uphold and maintain the said enactments to the best of my powers according to law.

--.. 

Info:

• Forced assimilation is illegal under UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PDF) and UN Manual (PDF) Full version 02OCT07 (PDF)
  • Article 8 (full version image - short version image)
  • 
  • Enlarge image
  • Has the UK broken international law?
  •  
  • UN Replacement Migration (2000)
    • "At the middle of the 20th century, the average fertility level stood at 2.6 children per woman in Europe,.. For the countries in this study the range was from 2.2 children per woman in Germany and the United Kingdom, ... .. By 1995-2000, fertility was below replacement level in all countries and regions of the study, with a relatively wide range of levels, from a high of 2.0 children in the United States to 1.2 children in Italy. The average for Europe and for the European Union was 1.4 children per woman." England & Wales fertility rate in 2023 was 1.44.
    • Replacement fertility rate is the average number of children per woman needed fora population to replace itself without migration. In most developed countries, this is about 2.1 children per woman.
    • What are our schools teachiing our indigineous children about births, birth control, etc.? What is local and national governemnt's plan for the future of our christian culture that our laws are based on vs those of another religion such as Islam?
  •  
    • Are Gen Z aborting half of all pregnancies? (PDF)
    • Enlarge image
    •  
    • Half of all Generation Z Pregnancies now end in Abortion.(PDF)
    • Gen z - "the generation typically being defined as people born from 1997 to 2012" (wiki)
      • "In 2011, this cohort had 171,000 live births and 89,000 abortions[iii], a total of 260,000 viable pregnancies. In 2021, this total was just 163,000. This represents a reduction of about 37% over ten years; in the same period the total population of this cohort reduced by just 5%, perhaps indicating the significant impact on fertility from the use of contraception and less frequent heterosexual sex."
      • [iii] Stated abortion numbers are for Ground C abortions; these are elective, on request of the woman, not because of rape or incest, or any indicated medical risk to the life of the woman, or serious fetal anomalies – Ground C total about 98% of all abortions.
•  
  • British Muslim and general public attitudes polling Henry Jackson Society (MAR24 PDF)

• Enlarged Popultaion vs Bristih Muslim

  Enlarge image by Age

   
  
  • Imam of Peace calls to BAN the Muslim Brotherhood in the West.
    • "In the West, it is a political question. That is the problem." “Anyone who DOES NOT ban the Muslim Brotherhood only cares about votes, not the national security of their nation.” (MAR24 PDF)
    • Govt Muslim Brotherhood review: main findings
      • "... aspects of Muslim Brotherhood ideology and tactics, in this country and overseas, are contrary to our values and have been contrary to our national interests and our national security" (PDF 17DEC15)
    • Director General Ken McCallum gives latest threat update (PDF)
  •  
• City of Sanctuary Charter
  • The subscribing organisation (local authority, school, college, etc. aspires "...to ensure people seeking sanctuary are involved in all decision making and are supported to become leaders in the organisation, networks, and the wider movement" 

• Cultural differences over animal welfare - Non-stun Slaughter of Animals Volume 768: debated on Monday 9 June 2025 
  • " ... the religious communities that require this method of slaughter for halal and kosher practices. Proponents of those practices argue that banning non-stun slaughter would violate their freedoms. The teachings of the Jewish and Muslim religions state that an animal must be fully alive before it is slaughtered. Accordingly, the stunning of an animal before slaughter may be interpreted as not being compliant with such religious teachings. However, in many religions—including my own, Christianity—there are variations in the interpretation of religious laws. Leaders of more liberal branches may be more open to interpreting religious law in the light of modern customs and welfare standards. However, it has to be said that more orthodox factions may still consider changes to traditional methods as a serious offence." (09JUN25 PDF)

• An Overview of Sharia law 
  • "Sharia councils in England and Wales: estimates vary between 80-85 and they are growing in number as British Muslims seek Sharia councils to settle their disputes"
  • "Across the past few decades serious concerns have arisen about the cultural and religious practices in Muslim communities.
  • The Independent Review into the Application of Sharia Law in England and Wales issued by Britain’s Home Department in February of 2018 was purposefully set up because sharia councils were deemed “discriminating against women” (10NOV23 PDF)
  •  
• Islamic Sharia and the Mistreatment of Women
  • "Sharia subordinates women to men in a multitude of ways: the requirement of guardianship by men, the right of men to beat their wives, the right of men to have unfettered sexual access to their wives, the right of men to practice polygamy, and the restriction of women’s legal rights in divorce cases, in estate law, in cases of rape, in court testimony, and in consent to marriage." (05SEP25 PDF)

• Sexism - New report calls on mosques across the UK to improve access for women 
  • " 59% said they themselves or a woman they know had experienced unfair treatment in a mosque, including physical intimidation, sexism and being denied entry, on one or more occasions. According to the latest data from Muslims in Britain, 28% of the approximately 1,858 mosques in the UK do not offer facilities for women" (05MAR24 PDF)

• What is the current status of Islamic marriages (Nikah) in the UK? 
  • "The Court has confirmed that a Nikah marriage is a non-qualifying ceremony, meaning that spouses have no redress to the courts for a division of assets if the relationship breaks down. For one party this judgment brings distinct advantages in seeking to protect their assets in any way. Sadly, it also serves as a distinct disadvantage to a party who cannot then make a financial remedy application following the breakdown of their Islamic marriage." (13MAR20 PDF)

• Polygamy
  • House of Commons Research Briefing "For a polygamous marriage to be considered valid in the UK, the parties must be domiciled in a country where polygamous marriage is permitted and must have entered into the marriage in a country which permits polygamy".(01FEB23)
  • "Universal Credit (UC) is replacing means-tested benefits and tax credits for working age people. Polygamous marriages are not recognised in the UC rules. This means that some polygamous households will receive more under UC than they would have under the legacy benefits and tax credits system." (Hansard-  01FEB23) Check benefits and financial support you can get
  • Article, "The DWP is handing out more than £6,000 to second wives and third wives in the UK as part of benefits given to people in polygamous marriages - and the amount is being increased from April." (02DEC25 PDF)

• Couple defend first-cousin marriages amid ban call (BBC)
  • "According to a 2021 study, about 55% of British Pakistanis are married to first cousins, while the practice accounts for about 3% of all marriages nationally." (27JAN25 PDF)
  • Born in Bradford - Evidene Briefing Genes and /health Inheritence and Risk (DEC22 PDF)
    • "Between 20% and 40% - child deaths possibly due to genetic disorders associated with consanguinity... After allowing for risk factors such as age, obesity and smoking, the risk of congenital anomalies was doubled (3% to 6%) in first cousin marriages and explained 30% of genetic disorders. However the risk to the child they give birth to also doubled in White British women over the age of 34 years."
    • AI defines "Consanguinity simply means being related by blood, sharing a common ancestor, like cousins or siblings. It's the genetic link between people, distinguishing them from those related by marriage (affinity) and is important in genetics and law, often defining who can marry whom due to increased risks of genetic disorders in offspring"

• House of Commons Persecution of Christians, Research Briefing Published Friday, 28 March, 2025 (Overview and Report PDF)
• Parliamentary TV Debate 08 April 2025
• Hansard Transcript of the debate 08 April 2025 (PDF)
• Simple submission form to your MP (PDF)
• Watch list by country interactive map and PDF.
• King's Coronation Oath 6th May 2023 
• Some Constitutional Law Info
• Accountability in Public Office
  • The common law offence of misconduct in public office is proposed to be abolished [06DEC25]

How do you want your rural communities to look in the future? Are you concerned about the rural environment, economy and food security? Then it's time to respond to NSC's vision for all planning applications and policies up until 2041

If you have responded to previous Local Plan consultations, you need to respond again as this is the 'final version' that NSC wish to implement over the next 15 years from 2026 up until 2041

Full BOB submission and NSC confirmation overview

Westminster Hall Debate: Impact of land use change on food security 18 Nov 2025

Video 1hr 30mins and Hansard Transcript (PDF)

"Protecting farmland, resisting unnecessary encroachment on the green belt and supporting farming families are not about nostalgia—far from it; they are practical steps towards a secure and resilient food system. If we get those choices and decisions right, we can deliver the homes we need and safeguard our ability to produce food. If we get them wrong, the consequences will be felt for generations"

Local Plans are essential to protecting our local and national food security as heard in the debate above.

• Robbie Moore MP Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) said, "As a result of the choices that the Government have made over the last 16 or so months, WE ARE, QUITE SIMPLY, IN A FOOD AND FARMING EMERGENCY"
• Bradley Thomas MP said, "I do not dispute the need for more housing in the country ... as a result of choices made by this Government, our housing target has increased by 85% while the housing target in adjacent Birmingham has decreased by more than 30%? Every area has to take its fair share, but does she agree that that is a grossly unfair imbalance?" [NB 
• Dame Angela Eagle Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs response, "It is not up to me to take decisions about local planning issues of that kind. THAT IS WHAT LOCAL PLANS ARE FOR." (info)
• NSC state, "National security risks, like food security, are managed through government policy rather than at local authority level."
• NB: CPRE 24 Sept 25 "Our new research reveals that there is enough brownfield land to build 1.4m homes in England, and more than half of these sites already have planning permission (either outline permission or better), meaning they could be built on rapidly" (report). So limited farmland doesn't need to be built on.

• NB not all farmers own land, some are tenant farmers renting land to produce our food. Government;s new Tenant Farming Commissioner states, "In England, 45% of holdings are either wholly tenanted or mixed tenure, and a third of all agricultural land in England is tenanted." DEFRA also indicates that 39% of England’s dairy herd is farmed in the South West.
• Council are selling off publicly owned farmland to presumably pay its debts, forcing farmers off tenanted land. Landowners are being encouraged to sell land or diversify from food production. (26SEP25 and Key Stats)
• Farmer's Weekly, "A record 6,365 agriculture, forestry, and fishing businesses closed in the past year" (25JUL25)
• NSC Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment has confirmed, but not quantified that, "The council does own a small number of smallholdings ranging from single fields of circa 0.6 ha used for grazing up to farms of circa 56.5ha.... a number of these assets have been identified through the Council’s Development Programme as potential future development sites" i.e. sites in the currently proposed Local Plan. (04DEC25)

The image above is taken from a 2023 speech to NSC Executive committee, before North Somerset Council's housing target was increased by 60% in the current consultation. The council's proposed Local Plan policies, e.g. DP53, need to protect farmland and food security much better. (other public presentations to NSC)

North Somerset Council are asking you to comment on whether the plan is sound in 3 areas

1. Positively Prepared
2. Justified
3. Effective

NB The Local Plan has been made under the Planniing and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and that The right to appear or be heard at the Planning Inspector's examination of the proposed Local Plan is limited to those persons who make representations seeking a change to the plan at this stage. - If you want to be heard in this process, tick the appropriate box in the consultation. See NSC's full explantion below.

 

SOME KEY LOCAL PLAN PROPOSALS:

• for land use include:
  • Poorly protected food production land under DP53 (Best and most versatile land) vs better protected DP52 (Protection of open space and recreation)
  • DP8 (Efficient use of land)
• for energy 
  • DP6 (Net zero construction) 
  • DP7 (Renewable and low carbon energy)

• Strategic Gaps
  • LP10 Strategic Gaps- are defined to help retain the separate identity, character and/or landscape setting of settlements

NATIONAL PLANNING POLICY FRAMEWORK (NPPF)

The Local Plan follows the government's National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), so comments can also be made in relation to this, e.g. Section 11. Making effective use of land Paragraphs 124-128, including

• NPPF para 124 "Strategic policies should set out a clear strategy for accommodating objectively assessed needs, in a way that makes as much use as possible of previously-developed or ‘brownfield’ land"
  • Footnote 49 "Except where this would conflict with other policies in this Framework, including causing harm to designated sites of importance for biodiversity" Agricultural land that supports and sustains biodiversity and should therefore be protected under NSC Local Plan.
• NPPF Para 125(b) "Planning policies and decisions should: recognise that some undeveloped land can perform many functions, such as for wildlife, recreation, flood risk mitigation, cooling/shading, carbon storage or food production" including multipurpose grazing land that should be protected by NSC Local Plan.
• NPPF Para 125(c) "give substantial weight to the value of using suitable brownfield land within settlements for homes and other identified needs, proposals for which should be approved unless substantial harm would be caused, and support appropriate opportunities to remediate despoiled, degraded, derelict, contaminated or unstable land" NSC has yet to respond to questions and quantify how food production wil be harmed should agriculture land be built on via its proposed Local Plan, e.g. with houses, solar, BNG, nature reserves, etc.
• NPPF Para 125(d) "promote and support the development of under-utilised land and buildings, especially if this would help to meet identified needs for housing where land supply is constrained and available sites could be used more effectively (for example converting space above shops, and building on or above service yards, car parks, lock-ups and railway infrastructure)"
  • BEWARE land and property owners - Footnote 50 "As part of this approach, plans and decisions should support efforts to identify and bring back into residential use empty homes and other buildings, supported by the use of compulsory purchase powers where appropriate."
• NPPF Para 126.. BEWARE land and property owners, "... This should include identifying opportunities to facilitate land assembly, supported where necessary by compulsory purchase powers, where this can help to bring more land forward for meeting development needs and/or secure better development outcomes"
• NPPF Para 127 "Planning policies and decisions need to reflect changes in the demand for land." 127(a) "it should, as part of plan updates, reallocate the land for a more deliverable use that can help to address identified needs" NSC has yet to publish its research, quantification and demand for land required to secure its food production in relation to local, regional and national needs (See public address to NSC 10SEP25)

FOOD IS ONE OF GOVERNMENT'S 13 CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS

Food is one the government's 13 Critical Infrastructure Sectors, HOUSING IS NOT A CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR 13 CNIs and Overview)

• DEFRA indicates that 39% of England’s dairy herd is farmed in the South West, which will reduce if agricultural farms are closed, or switched to solar farms grazing sheep. The South West also has one of the smallest average farm size, so if small farms are encouraged to diversify away from farming, food production and security will be affected. Removing agriculture from our communities may also significantly impact on the rural economy. In 2020, the total income from farming in England was £3.6bn, with the South West contributing the most, at nearly a fifth. (See public  speaking 06 Dec 2023)

PREVIOUS LOCAL PLAN CONCERNS

Concerns, comments and issues can be found at here and here.

LIST OF SOME PUBLIC SPEAKING TO NSC CABINET AND FULL COUNCIL

A list of some public speaking to NSC Cabinet and full council can be found here, including:

• North Somerset Council Executive Meeting 06 Dec 2023 Farming, Food Production and Food Security concerns, along with cost of living and rural strategy.

• Considering the significant risk that a declared climate and nature emergency is stated to pose to our food production, North Somerset Council was asked to immediately call a Food Security Emergency, to prioritise and protect our food production and our health at the highest level 17 July 2024

• Concerns regarding any future WECA regional control over land and food production and a request for Food Security Implications to be added to all NSC reports 16 Sept 25, no response has yet to be received from NSC as of 18 November 2025.

"North Somerset Local Plan 2041: Pre-submission Consultation (Reg 19)

NSC CONSULTATION STATES::

"This consultation is asking for your views on the North Somerset Local Plan 2041: Pre-submission Plan (Reg 19). It is the version that the council proposes to submit to the Secretary of State for independent examination under the provisions of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. Prior to submission to the Secretary of State a period of consultation is undertaken specifically in relation to the ‘soundness’ of the Local Plan.

 

To be sound a Local Plan should be positively prepared (seeks to meet the area’s objectively assessed needs), justified (founded on a robust and credible evidence base and be the most appropriate strategy when considered against the reasonable alternatives), effective (deliverable, flexible and able to be monitored) and consistent with national policy.

 

The period to make representations runs for six weeks from Thursday 30 October to 5pm Friday 12 December 2025. Representations received by the council within that period will be forwarded to the inspector for consideration at the examination into the soundness of the plan.

 

At the close of this consultation period the council will summarise the main issues raised by the representations and submit that summary to the Secretary of State. If the representations raise matters which would suggest changes should be made to the Local Plan before the document is submitted the council will consider the appropriate way to proceed.

 

The examination is expected to take place in summer 2026. This will be followed by the report of the inspector. If the document is found to be ‘sound’ by the inspector it is expected that the Local Plan will be adopted by the council in December 2026.

 

Making representations

 

If you would like to comment on the soundness of the North Somerset Local Plan Pre-submission version please respond online at using the ONLINE DOCUMENT. The closing date is Friday 12 December 2025 at 5pm. All comments received have to be made publicly available.

 

To contact us about the Local Plan:

 

Email: planning.policy@n-somerset.gov.uk

 

Post: Planning Policy Team, Place Directorate, North Somerset Council, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ

 

Further Information is available on www.n-somerset.gov.uk/localplan2041"

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PREVIOUS INFO:

• Previous presentations to NSC on land use and food security

• Housing Plans for North Somerset and Bleadon

• NSC Local Plan Consultation 2039

• List of some revious consultations

This year's Annual Governance & Accountability period commences on 4th June 2025 and ends on 15th July 2025

Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested.

For the year ended 31 March 2025, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to: C Bolt – Parish Clerk & RFO parishclerk@bleadonparishcouncil.co.uk Bleadon Parish Council, Coronation Road, Bleadon, North Somerset. BS24 0PG

Local government electors and their representatives have:

• The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and
• The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful.

Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.

AGAR Information 

Notice of Public Rights

Budger and Precept

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Previous Information:

• AGAR 2023-24
• AGAR 2022-23
• AGAR Overview & External Audit Challenge

Bleadon’s Annual Parish Meeting is this Monday, 28 April 2025, 7:30pm at Bleadon Village Hall

Agenda

Presentation

Previous minutes

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See also:

• See previous 2024 blog

Weston Town Council declare WSM a Council of Sanctuary affecting all surrounding communities

WHO DOES THE LOCAL COUNCIL REPRESENT?

The local people that elected them, and pay them via taxes, or the government?

Regardless of whether the outcome is 'For' or 'Against' this motion the correct procedure must be undertaken and resident's views taken into consideration. If it has not been undertaken correctly and within the NOLAN Principles, then the motion should be retaken at a later Weston Town Council meeting, as requested by 11 councillors and members of the public.

If being a Council of Sanctuary was the correct outcome, then nothing will be lost by retaking the vote with a more informed decision making process. 

How the vote went... 

Did councillors vote politically or on behalf of residents?

Did your WSM Ward Councillor represent your views?

(Ward Map and City of Sanctuary Map 03APR25) 

Did being a North Somerset Council (NSC) Cllr affect voting?

NB: As can be heard in the recordings above, some Cllrs may have voted against the motion as they required more informaiton and wanted the opportunity to speak further with their ward residents before committing to the City/Council of Sanctuary

(Voting decisions taken from feedback following the meeting - check with your councillor how they voted)

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More information

Thousands of new houses planned for North Somerset - Bleadon was originally scheduled for 42 houses at the quarry - now potentially 191! From approx 15% village increase to 55% increase!! Who are these houses for as govt has demanded 8K more than NSC residents need? Will locals get a chance - what happen with 'Rural Exceptions' and local prioriy housing if the site is not considered in the Local Plan? What is 'affordable'? Will Bleadon residents be eliglble via any associated housing list? How accurate is NSC data? Has NSC challenged the govt on these extra 8.6K houses as they are not for N Somerset residents? Have they challenged MPs - Where is the publicly accessible information?

Comments are invited on the proposed approach including:

o Any robust reason why the sites identified as ‘most suitable’ at the strategic locations should not be allocated.

o What potential additional sites and locations should be considered at the towns and larger villages to address the shortfall.

o Whether there are any convincing reasons why other sites in less sustainable locations should be considered.

 

All responses to NSC including BOB response 21MAR25 

Enlarge image and Iinteractive Mapping and Bleadon site Info and Site Allocation Summary

North Somerset Council State:

"Local Plan Regulation 19 - Additional Sites Consultation In December 2024 the government released the new National Planning Policy Framework which confirmed a significantly higher mandatory housing requirement for North Somerset.

 

The housing requirement is 23,895 over the 15 year plan period. This is an additional 8,620 dwellings above the proposed housing supply target in our Regulation 19 plan of 15,275 dwellings.

 

This consultation aims to identify where additional development is possible at sustainable locations across North Somerset, outside areas at risk of flooding or other significant constraints. This will need to take account of delivery and infrastructure issues, such as strategic transport improvements and the provision of other infrastructure.

 

Please respond to our online consultation, by clicking HERE where you can make comments for each of the sites as well as responding to specific questions covering issues such as Green Belt, scale of development and the methodology for site selection.

 

We will be holding consultation drop in events during the consultation period at the following locations:

• Wednesday 26th February - Jubilee Pavillion, Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9DP: 3 – 6pm
• Wednesday 5th March - Weston-super-Mare Library, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, W-s-M, BS23 1UJ: 3 – 6pm
• Friday 7th March – Nailsea United Reform Church Hall, Stockway North Nailsea, BS48 1AQ: 3 – 6pm Monday 10 March – Backwell WI Hall, Station Road, Backwell, BS48 3QW: 3 – 6pm
• [NB Bleadon Parish Council is holding a public meeting Monday 10th March 2025 at 7pm in the Coronation Halls]

If you cannot respond online then alternatively you can e-mail responses to: planning.policy@n-somerset.gov.uk OR Send your response to Planning Policy Team, Town Hall, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ

 

After reviewing feedback, the council will amend the draft Local Plan to include the additional sites and any consequential changes to policies that may be needed and run a final round of consultation later in 2025, before submitting the plan for examination by an independent inspector."

Sites are categorised as being either:

BLEADON SITE INFO

SITE ALLOCATION SUMMARY

Full NSC site allocations indicate NSC need to find 1139 sites from the town and large villages (orange sites)(pg51) When did Bleadon become a 'large' village as opposed to an infill village with a small defined settlement boundary? In the Local Plan Bleadon was originally scheduled for 42 houses at the quarry (p253) now potentially 191! From approx 15% village increase to 55% increase!! (Approx 350 houses within the villlage settlement boundary, NSC already 'agreed' 42+9+3 now proposing an additional 137)

There are 4 towns and 35 parishes within North Somerset - only 10 parishes are indicated as 'large villages' as seen below. NSC are looking for an extra 1139 houses (23,895-22756=1139) from the 'Other Potential' sites such as those identified 'orange' in Bleadon. 

RURAL EXCEPTION SITES

What will happen to Settlement Boundaries - Bleadon Village vs Parish Boundary?

What will happen to current 'Rural Exception' sites if they are now counted as part of the housing count above?

• See National Housing Federation (15FEB24) Rural exception sites culd helpus build more affordable homes for rural communities.
• Also, Cambridgeshire ACRE Affordable housing and Rural Exception Sites FAQ (JUL21)

HOW IS NSC GOING TO FEED AN ADDITIONAL 100K PEOPLE?

Where is the NSC Food Security Policy?

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See aslo:

• NSC Local Plan Consultation 2039 on BOB blog

• Somerset Live article here (01MAR25)

• Some Recent Applications
• Some previous major developments and appeals info
• Dec14 Liam Fox MP speak in parilament re: NSC increase of 14K to 21K houses 

Enabling remote attendance and proxy voting at local authority meetings

This consultation closes at 11:59pm on 19 December 2024

Consultation description:

• This consultation seeks views on the detail and practical implications of allowing remote and hybrid attendance at local authority meetings.
• It also tests views on the possible introduction of proxy voting for those occasions when an elected member, due to personal circumstances, may be unable to attend even remotely. For example, during maternity, paternity or adoption leave.
• Email questions or technical problems to: remoteattendanceconsultation@communities.gov.uk

What is in store for town and parish councils during and after devolution?

Summary of some devolution concerns

One AI interpretation of the Devolution White Paper

What is happening to true devolution (expansion of comments below)?

Yesterday - Govt English Devolution Statement made at 1pm on 16 December 2024

• UK Govt Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements
  • Jim McMahon Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution
  • Baroness Taylor of Stevenage Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State
• English Devolution White Paper - 16DEC24
  • “... we must rewire England and end the hoarding in Whitehall by devolving power and money from central government to those with skin in the game.”
  • "To have "skin in the game" is to have incurred risk (monetary or otherwise) by being involved in achieving a goal." However,
  • WECA appears to be a private sector LLP of 3 bodies that take the profit but not the risks or debts that may result from any poor decisions (these financial debts would end up on local authorities)?
  • WECA is a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) – where “Each member pays tax on their share of the profits, as in an ‘ordinary’ business partnership, but they are not personally liable for any debts the business cannot pay.”
  • See Companies House for West of England Combined Authority membership.
  • The LGA states, “All CAs can be funded by their constituent councils through a levy… Elected mayors can raise additional resources through a precept (or additional charge) on local council tax bills… All CAs will have the power to borrow money… Many devolution deals include the retention of local business rate growth above an agreed threshold"

• Figure 1: Map of current English devolution landscape, December 2024 p33
  • What are the reported dis-benefits of being part of a Combined Authority over the years?
• Section 3.10 Devolution Framework summary table (roles/powers) p86
• Figure 2: Streamlining government (tiers and representation) p92
• 4.2.5 Local Authority Members and Workforce including Proxy Voting p105
• Town and parish councils role?

North Somerset Council calls for ‘priority’ devolution deal – 7 hours later, out of hours 7:53pm - 16 December 2024 - North Somerset Council calls for ‘priority’ devolution deal (16DEC24)

No response from Bleadon's two District Cllr Porter and Cllr Solomon re: food security, Local Plan and WECA - both members of NSC Planning and Regulatory Committee

• Email 04 December 2023 regarding food security
• A year later 03 December 2024 regarding food security & WECA (no acknowledgement despite request)

Email to resident 26 November in response to public address questions to NSC Exec 17 Sept and chasing a response via Weston Town Council 25 November from Cllr Mike Bell:

• Extract, “North Somerset Council agreed to submit an expression of interest in joining the existing West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. At this stage, none of the information on powers, funding or alternatives are known as the government has not set out its intentions.
• Once this has happened and we have a clearer understanding of the landscape and Ministerial intentions, North Somerset Council will consult the community and stakeholders on any options.
• None of the existing combined authorities have been subject to a referendum and I do not anticipate a plebiscite being undertaken in North Somerset ahead of any decision. It is within the powers of the UK government to establish the pattern and remit of local government, including combined authorities and I expect them to do that in their forthcoming White Paper.”

BBC article Angela Rayner promises mayor for every region of England - BBC News (16DEC24)

• Rayner promises mayor for every region of England

NSC against devolution in 2016 (08JUN16)

• NSC vote against West 'Metro Mayor' plan during government £1bn devolution plan

Dept for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities Letter (05MAR24)

• "Ministers are concerned as to the West of England Combined Authority’s capacity to comply with its Best Value Duty" and issued a Notice "... following inconsistent action against concerns highlighted". The concerns we’ve identified include: "

Wiltshire / BANES recent concerns

• Wiltshire Times - Wiltshire and BANES leaders clash over housing targets (11OCT24)
  • “Cllr Richard Clewer has strongly criticised the call from the leader of BANES for a regional cross boundary approach, which would allow Bath’s housing targets to go beyond local authority boundaries.”
• BBC News 'Turmoil at the top of WECA' says council leader (20NOV24)
  • "The leader of Bath and North East Somerset Council (BANES) Kevin Guy says the leadership of the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) is "in turmoil"

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Also see:

• Devolution and WECA Mayor
• Food Security Emergency Requested
• NPPF Consultation

Proposed 5G installation in Bleadon to be part of a standalone national network, built on new (untested?), end-to-end 5G infrastructure - what will be the health consequences?

Appeal Lodged Appeal Reference:APP/D0121/W/25/3359734

• Additonal Iinformation on NSC website
• Appellants Case
  • 14FEB25 Appeal application form 
  • 14FEB25 Photomontage
  • 14FEB25 Appeal Statement
• Appeal Inspectorate
  • 14FEB25 Appeal start date letter 
  • 20MAR25 PINS Receipt
• NSC
  • 20FEB25 Appeal Questionnaire
  • 20MAR25 Statement of Case, Appendix 1, Appendix 2, Appendix 3

Weston Mercury (29OCT24) states,

"More than a dozen new locations across the UK are to be added to EE’s standalone 5G network rollout by the end of the year... EE launched the upgraded 5G network in September in the four UK capitals and a number of other metropolitan areas. The mobile operator confirmed that the 16 new locations being added [included]... Weston Super Mare...[i.e. in Bleadon]"

 

"Standalone 5G is designed to boost mobile performance as it is built on new, end-to-end 5G infrastructure for the first time, while removing any reliance on older 4G infrastructure, and EE, which is part of the BT Group, has said the network also uses artificial intelligence to reduce power to parts of infrastructure when they were not in use and improve energy efficiency..." What will be the health consequences when they are in use?

 

"With these additional locations, the firm said its standalone 5G network will cover an area of more than 21 million people." A very strong signal to reach that many people? 

The current application consultation 24/P/2145/TEA comment deadline has moved from 13 Nov to 27 Novemember 2024.

BOB Comments 27NOV24

Current comments as at 14NOV24 along with 89 pages of Evidence. Has NSC considered the existing and proposed health risks, including any hot spots mapped to NHS health data over the last 20 years?

11NOV24 Bleadon Parish Council Object to 5G Tower in Bleadon Agenda Min 383.9

"Bleadon Parish Council objects to the application on the following grounds: The Parish Council does not consider that it was properly consulted as part of the pre-application process. The Parish Council further notes the view of the relevant District Councillors regarding lack of adequate consultation. The applicant has failed to provide sufficient detail regarding how the potential individual and cumulative negative health impacts (recognised by bodies such as the World Health Organisation) arising from the proposal might be mitigated. The process followed by the applicant fails to recognise that there is a private airfield within the locality. As such, the Parish Council is concerned that the views of the Civil Aviation Authority have not been sought and that this action should be undertaken prior to consideration of the application."

World Health Organistation (WHO) EHC 137 (ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS (300 Hz to 300 GHz) 1993) states,

"An RF hot spot may be defined as a point or small area in which the local values of electric and/or magnetic field strengths are significantly elevated above the typical ambient field levels and often 188 EHC 137: Electromagnetic fields are confined near the surface of a conductive object...

There is increasing concern about the possibility that RF exposure may play a role in the causation or promotion of cancer, specifically of the blood forming organs or in the CNS. Similar uncertainties surround possible effects on reproduction, such as increased rates of spontaneous abortion and of congenital malformations" Has this priority research been undertaken in relation to 2G, 3G, 4G and now 5G before rollout? Where are the published results? Where are the longitudinal studies proving safety of use?

NB: 5G operates at 2.4GHz and 5GHz

Inaudible High-Frequency Sounds Affect Brain Activity: Hypersonic Effect (01JUN00)

"In conclusion, our findings that showed an increase in alpha EEG potentials, activation of deep-seated brain structures, a correlation between alpha-EEG and rCBF in the thalamus, and a subjective preference toward FRS, give strong evidence supporting the existence of a previously unrecognized response to high-frequency sound beyond the audible range that might be distinct from more usual auditory phenomena."

 

Wiki Hypersonic Effect "Criticism of Oohashi's studies has been directed primarily at the conclusions regarding listener's preferences the test material; there has been little criticism aimed at the physiological aspect of the studies. Studies cited as contrary evidence did not address the physiological brain response to high-frequency audio, only the subject's conscious response to it. Further investigation of the observed physiological response appears to show that the ear alone does not produce the extra brain waves, but when the body is exposed to high-frequency sound it gives some brain stimulus" (PDF)

World Health Organisation (WHO) Burden of disease from Environmental Noise (2011)

"The health impacts of environmental noise are a growing concern. At least one million healthy life years are lost every year from traffic-related noise in the western part of Europe.

This publication summarizes the evidence on the relationship between environmental noise and health effects, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbance, tinnitus, and annoyance... Data are still lacking for the rest of the WHO European Region. This publication provides policy-makers and their advisers with technical support in their quantitative risk assessment of environmental noise. International, national and local authorities can use the procedure for estimating burdens presented here to prioritize and plan environmental and public health policies" (PDF) Has further research been undertaken? What was the outcome? What are the effects of the noises we can't hear, i.e. at 2.4GHz and 5GHz?

RNID - How loud is too loud (PDF)

IARC Classifies Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields as Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans (31MAY11)

IARC - The WHO/International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

IARC Classifications image

Classification 2B "This category is used for agents for which there is limited evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. It may also be used when there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans but there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. In some instances, an agent for which there is inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and less than sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals together with supporting evidence from mechanistic and other relevant data may be placed in this group. An agent may be classified in this category solely on the basis of strong evidence from mechanistic and other relevant data" What is the actual evidence?

British Medical Journal (BMJ)

Stop global roll out of 5G networks until safety is confirmed, urges expert (18JAN21)

"Transmitter density means greater population exposure to high levels of radio frequency electromagnetic fields We should err on the side of caution and stop the global roll out of 5G (fifth generation) telecoms networks until we are certain this technology is completely safe, urges an expert in an opinion piece published online in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health...

“Until we know more about what we are getting into, from a health and ecological point of view, those putative gains need to wait,” he concludes"

Health concerns, e.g. effect of mobile phones and electric vehicles on pacemakers: What is the accumulated effect of these devices e.g. 5G towers, mobile phones

Pacemaker info:  National Cardiac Audit Program (PDF)

Extract, "15% increase in the use of more ‘complex’ cardiac resynchronisation therapy pacemakers (CRT-P) to improve heart function since 2017/18" Our World in Data Pacemaker Implants Europe and Image

 

5G phones e.g. Samsung Galaxy A22 Instruction Manual (PDF)

Read at least first 20 pages, "Turn the terminal OFF near high-precision electronic control equipment or electronic equipment using low-power signals. Failure to do so may cause the equipment to fail or malfunction by radio wave. * Examples of electronic equipment to avoid Hearing aids, implanted pacemakers or defibrillators, other electronic medical equipment and other automatic control equipment. Users wearing implanted pacemakers or defibrillators or other electronic medical equipment should check with the manufacturer or sales outlet about the effect of radio wave on the equipment... Wearers of the electronic medical equipment such as implanted pacemakers or defibrillators must carry and use the terminal at least 15 cm away from the implanted device. The terminal's signals may affect the operation of the electronic medical equipment.... When you are in a crowd etc. and you have difficulties to keep a distance of 15 cm or more from others, turn the airplane mode on or power off the terminal not to transmit signals." Also note comments on wifi and bluetooth signals.

Electric vehicles and radiation from batteries

Effect on eyes and skin

Court Issues Unprecedented Ruling on 4G Tower After Ranchers Notice What Was Happening to the Cows

“The court said that “it is appropriate to order the temporary cessation of the operation of this antenna for a period of two months, taking into account its general impact, with monitoring, by the judicial expert, of the behavior of the herd, and of the dairy cows in particular, during this period…The court noted there had been “a significant drop in the quality and quantity of milk produced, a serious disruption in the behavior of the herd and its voluntary denutrition and abnormally high deaths” What is the effect on our wildlife, especially as Bleadon is in a rural farmland area? (12JUN22)

Australian Parliament Inquiry into 5G

Report (MAR20)

"1.17 The Committee accepted a large number of submissions which solely addressed concerns over how the deployment of 5G may affect human health. As the Committee is not a health committee, it was limited in its ability to investigate this issue fully. The Committee sought to inform itself about this issue, and refers to it later in the report"

"2.111The NTP conducted two-year toxicology studies in rats and mice to help clarify potential health hazards, including cancer risk, from exposure to RFR [Radio Frequency Radiation] like that used in 2G and 3G cell phones. The NTP noted that the types of RFR used for Wi-Fi and 5G networks were not investigated in their studies"

 

Submission 517 (PDF)

Rising Incidence of Glioblastoma Multiforme in a Well-Defined Population (19MAY20)

Trends in Intracranial Glioma Incidence and Mortality in the United States, 1975-2018 (01NOV21)

About Glioblastoma (PDF)

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See also:

• WHO EHC 137 - Hot Spot 
  • "RF hot spots may be produced by an intersection of narrow beams of RF energy (directional antennas), by the reflection of fields from conductive surfaces (standing waves), or by induced currents flowing in conductive objects exposed to ambient RF fields (re-radiation). RF hot spots are characterized by very rapid spatial variation of the fields and, typically, result in partial body exposures of individuals near the hot spots. Uniform exposure of the body is essentially impossible because of the high spatial gradient of the fields associated with RF hot spots.

    A high priority should be placed on research that emphasizes causal relationships and dose-effect thresholds and coefficients"

• Last July 2023 reference 23/P/1448/TEN (that's not under Related Cases?)

  "Notification under Regulation 5 of the Electronic Communications Code for the replacement of 3no. existing antennas with 3no. new antennas, the installation of 1no. microwave dishes & RRU's on the existing monopole, the replacement/installation of equipment within the existing cabin, along with minor ancillary works. THIS IS NOT A PLANNING APPLICATION. | Land At Rear Of Purn House Farm Purn Farm Bridgwater Road Bleadon North Somerset"

   

  This 'application' was received by NSC on Wed 05 July  but there was no consultation deadline - The BPC meeting was on 10 July – so the application came in after the July agenda was published on the 04 July. The 'application' was decided by NSC on Tues 01 Aug, just less than four weeks later. The BPC meeting was on 14 August – so it was decided before the next BPC monthly meeting - Agenda item 368.19.v/vi "To note any planning decisions received since the last meeting...PN Regs (Tel) Noted (unconditional)"  Delegated Report states "There are no requirements for the Local Planning Authority to carry out consultations under these regulations" Decison Notice

National Planning Policy Framework Consultation

The government is “revising the National Planning Policy Framework in order to achieve sustainable growth in our planning system…. also seeking views on a series of wider policy proposals (NPPF) in relation to increasing planning fees, local plan intervention criteria and appropriate thresholds for certain Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects”

Respond to the NPPF Consultation here

before 11:45pm on 24 September 2024

Consultation Overview, Qs, Annotated Document, Outcome of Proposed Revised Method XLS

BOB Draft

How will this affect local decision making, North Somerset land and our related food security, especially in relation to any devolution to a regional mayor via WECA ?

How will this affect North Somerset Council and local decision making, land use and our related food security, especially in relation to any devolution to a regional mayor via WECA? What is sustainable growth in relation to a decreasing UK population? Who will benefit from this growth, North Somerset residents or the ever expanding cities, such as Bristol?

North Somerset Council has delayed its Local Plan to consider its response to the NPPF consultation stating, “The new standard method is 23,805 dwellings in North Somerset over the next 15 years – that’s nearly 9,000 dwellings more than our current Local Plan target. This figure also doesn’t take into account the needs of our neighbours” (31JUL24)

NSC has stated that around 85% of land in North Somerset is at risk of flooding. Also, that enclosed farmland makes up 68% of all land in North Somerset (Climate Emergency Action Plan pg49). If NSC doesn’t protect farmland what will happen to it? Will NSC permit building the 24K houses, solar panel farms, etc. on farmland?

Residents have approached NSC on a number of occasions asking NSC to protect local farming and food security, including asking for a Food Security Emergency to be called.

On 15 Dec 14 local MP Liam Fox spoke out in parliament (skip to 21:58 mins) on behalf of North Somerset and the high extra housing development imposed by central government coming from the Bristol University court challenge wanting to build on Green Belt land. NSC was subsequently asked to increase indentified sites from 14,000 to 21,000 houses. Liam Fox MP said, ".. it must be made clear that greenfield development should come only as a last resort after all brownfield sites are exhausted (See letter from DCLG relating to the Dec 2017 Brownfield Register). Finally, the infrastructure that is needed to support new development, including schools, GP surgeries and, where appropriate, roads must be provided by the developers; the cost must not fall disproportionately on local council tax payers. (See related Blog on Weston General Hospital A&E night-time closures starting 4 Jul 17). In North Somerset we are facing an expensive fiasco that is undemocratic and producing unsustainable outcomes. We have been very patient, and our very competent council has been extremely co-operative. Now we need answers." 

Liam Fox MP also said, "We seem to be in a ridiculous position. The plan [NS Core Strategy] was put forward in 2011, agreed by the inspector and adopted in 2012, yet here we are at the end of 2014. If I am not mistaken, at the end of 2015, we will begin the planning period in which we will look at housing allocation through to 2036. It would be the height of absurdity if we were one of only four councils in the sub-region to be asked not only to look at our 2026 housing allocation, but to start the process all over again at the end of next year and look at the 2036 allocation. Surely this is a complete waste of public resources, as well as being utterly contrary to what my hon. Friend the Minister says is the Government’s aim, which is to encourage greater localism." (current allocation of 20,985 is only up until 2026 so NSC will be looking for more sites). The Minister of State, DCLG representative Brandon Lewis replied "My right hon. Friend is absolutely right that we want to encourage localism. That is why we want the decisions to be made locally ... I am happy to discuss this issue with my right hon. and hon. Friends in greater detail at an appropriate point and to write to them to outline the detail behind their queries" (Link to Hansard Transcript and further information.)

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See also:

• NSC Local Plan Consultation 2039 BOB Blog