A proposal to build 130 new homes on a 3.7-hectare greenfield site on the west side of Paulton, a village in North East Somerset, has sparked significant opposition from locals who believe the community is already stretched to its limits.
Gladman Developments Ltd submitted the planning application, highlighting that the project would offer a range of modern homes catering to diverse demographics, including starter homes and retirement properties, with 30% designated as affordable housing.
However, the scheme has met strong resistance from residents. Over 215 objections have been lodged with Bath and North East Somerset Council. Local resident Lisa James expressed concerns regarding overcrowded local services: “Paulton village is at full capacity now for any more dwellings, with the doctors, dentists, [and] schools bursting. The parks are too small on sunny days with nothing for any youth in the area.”
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Another resident, Debbie James, lamented the village’s rapid growth due to ongoing developments such as the Purnells site, noting that Paulton is transitioning into the size of a town without sufficient amenities and infrastructure to support this expansion. “Towns have infrastructure and amenities to accommodate their size. Paulton does not have the amenities and the infrastructure is already struggling with the current population and yet further planning applications are submitted,” she said.
Conversely, a small number of supporters, including Alf Kingman, acknowledge the local housing shortage. Kingman argued, “This area is in desperate need of housing. Young people in the area have no chance of getting on the housing ladder if developments keep getting rejected.”
Paulton Parish Council formally resolved to object to the application at its meeting on September 9. The council cited concerns over increased pressure on highways, sewage systems, and local infrastructure. They emphasized the availability of brownfield land, referencing 72 approved homes on the nearby Purnells brownfield site that are yet to be built, and stated, “An extra 130 homes on top of these 72 would put too much of a strain on the infrastructure and local services in Paulton.”
The application indicates that existing hedgerows and trees will be preserved where possible, apart from areas designated for roads. The plan currently seeks outline permission to establish that 130 homes are acceptable on the site, with detailed designs to be submitted later if approved by the council.