Residents of Long Ashton are outraged after a council decision allows a US firm to build a massive campus, threatening their village’s identity and green space.
Long Ashton: Villagers are really upset. They feel betrayed after a council meeting allowed an American company to build a huge office campus. This decision could change their village forever.
People in Long Ashton are worried. They think this project will destroy the Green Belt that separates them from Bristol. It’s a big deal for them. They love their village and want to keep it that way.
Last week, locals packed a community meeting to discuss how to stop the project. They were determined to make their voices heard. The company, Epic, wants to merge its offices into one big campus. It sounds impressive, but the villagers are not convinced.
Epic plans to build on wetlands, which is a big no-no. The council said it would harm the environment. But they still approved it, thinking it would create jobs. This left many residents feeling ignored.
Local councillor Stuart McQuillan was shocked. He felt his colleagues didn’t even read the reports before voting. He said it was frustrating to see such a lack of debate on something so important.
Many villagers are worried about losing their identity. They fear that if this project goes ahead, they’ll be swallowed up by Bristol. They’re also concerned about traffic and air quality issues.
Amanda Barrett, a local councillor, expressed her anger. She feels the council isn’t listening to the community. Villagers are tired of consultations that feel pointless. They want their concerns taken seriously.
Another resident, Em, said the decision goes against the council’s own climate goals. They believe the job creation claims are exaggerated. The negative impacts are being ignored, and it feels unfair.
As the villagers brace for change, they worry about what will happen next. They just want to protect their home and keep it the way it is. The future feels uncertain, and they’re ready to fight for it.
