Controversial plans to build 70 new homes in Congresbury, a village east of Weston-super-Mare, are back on the table under new developers Allison South West. This comes after North Somerset Council rejected similar proposals twice, most recently when the plan was scaled down from 90 to 70 homes in 2023.
At the time, Councillor Mike Solomon remained firm in his opposition, stating, “It’s interesting that once we turned it down, the applicant came and reduced the houses to 70. I haven’t changed my view since last time.”
Now, Allison South West has secured outline planning permission and will be submitting a ‘reserved matters’ application to seek approval for more detailed aspects of the development. The developers intend to purchase the Mulberry Road site in August, secure full planning permission by autumn, and start construction in early 2026.
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Glyn Mabey, Managing Director of Allison Homes South West, expressed optimism about the project, saying, “We’re proud to be investing in Congresbury and delivering new homes for local people. This project encompasses more than just housing; it aims to enhance community connections, invest in the area, and address the pressing need for affordable homes in North Somerset.
“We will share detailed plans in the coming months and actively engage with the local community as we prepare our reserved matters application. Building strong relationships with residents is a priority as the project moves forward.”
The development promises that nearly a third of the homes—21 out of 70—will be affordable housing. The remaining 49 will be a mix of three- and four-bedroom detached houses available for purchase.
Additional commitments by the developers include installing a new children’s play area, providing a pedestrian crossing on Brinsea Road, and investing £480,000 into local infrastructure such as schools, transport, and sustainability initiatives.
Public opposition to the original 2023 proposals was overwhelming, with over 1,100 objections compared to just eight expressions of support during the consultation period. The development is expected to contribute approximately £700,000 via the Community Infrastructure Levy to fund local services.
Local concerns remain strong. One resident pointed out challenges around local employment and transportation: “There are very few employment options available locally. This means people will need to travel by bus, car or train to work. The nearest bus stop is on the A370, which is a fair walk from the proposed development site. The train station is in Yatton—too far to walk. This will result in more cars on the road.”
Another villager noted, “The impact on village life will change it forever, to its extreme detriment. Major changes to the road system and associated infrastructure will be essential to support a large increase in population.”
As the project advances, community engagement and planning negotiations will be crucial in shaping Congresbury’s future.