Enforcement action against Camerton yoga centre

At a meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council's development control committee councillors voted in favour of an enforcement notice for Universal Yoga on Red Hill.

For more than four years owner Charlotte Martinus has been battling the council over the safety of the entrance.

She wants to use her seven bedroom home as a business, offering regular classes and weekend retreats.

However concerns have been raised over highway safety.

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Parish council chairman Chris Taylor spoke at the meeting voicing concerns of residents.

He said: "We support local businesses but we cannot support this one.

"To get to the location people have to negotiate the dangerous bend, which is not a good place to cross.

"The parish council fears for the safety of those attending the classes.

"It is only a matter of time before someone is killed, and we ask the council to do something before it is too late."

Owner Charlotte Martinus, who has been backed by a 100-signature, has offered some of her land as a footpath.

She said: "Universal Yoga provides a valuable experience for the community.

"The key strength, village location, is also the key weakness.

"There have been no accidents on Red Hill for 10 years.

"I know the council wants to support rural businesses, and I hope you will support mine."

Following a site visit councillors voted nine to one for enforcement action to be taken.

Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Lab, Radstock) said: "I find this extremely difficult.

"St Mary's School in Camerton has the most dangerous bend, yet no-one would suggest closing the school.

"The site is where it is and they cannot change the location.

"I am against enforcement notice, I think she should be encouraged to put in a modified planning application and see where it takes us."

However councillor Nicholas Coombes (Lib Dem, Bathwick) disagreed and said: "The house is being used unlawfully on a site that is a danger to the public.

"I move the recommendations to take enforcement action."

Councillor Neil Butters (Lib Dem, Bathavon South) said: "This is extremely difficult.

"Very reluctantly I am supporting the move to enforce, which is a pity but I think it is the way we have to go."