Councillors have refused plans to build 200 homes on farmland at the southwest edge of Nailsea, North Somerset, amid fears the town is already overwhelmed by new housing developments.
The developer, St Modwen Homes, sought permission to create a housing estate on an active farm site. However, the council’s planning committee narrowly voted against the proposal, citing a lack of supporting infrastructure and concerns that residents would face significant transport challenges accessing the town centre.
This marks the first major housing scheme rejected since the Labour government increased North Somerset’s housing target after being elected in July. The new target mandates the council to deliver 23,895 homes by 2040—roughly 1,593 homes annually—with councillors advised to favor approval where possible to meet these goals.
Despite this, committee members drew a line at the Nailsea development. Local resident Anthony Evans urged councillors to reject the plan, calling the site unsuitable. Jo Duffy, Nailsea town council clerk, highlighted that the town “has already shouldered a disproportionate burden,” with 673 homes already approved in the area.
Jessica Holt of St Modwen Homes emphasized the demand for affordable housing and the social benefits of the development. The plan included 60 affordable and social rent homes, alongside £450,000 in contributions for public transport improvements and nearly £97,000 for traffic calming and highways upgrades.
Yet local councillor Oliver Ellis, representing Nailsea West End, argued the proposed development conflicted with broader policy objectives. Situated outside the town’s settlement boundary and omitted from the local plan’s allocated housing sites, he warned the housing estate would increase car dependency and strain already congested roads.
The proposed access would be via a country lane linked to the entrance of an adjacent 450-home development, which itself had faced previous scrutiny over traffic problems. Independent councillor Mike Bird criticized the town’s capacity to absorb such growth, emphasizing the need for infrastructure-led development.
The dilemma reflects broader tensions as North Somerset Council struggles to meet centrally mandated housing targets. On occasion, developers have secured approval for contentious projects on appeal—such as Persimmon’s permission for 190 homes in a flood zone earlier this year—highlighting the council’s limited control.
During the committee debate, Liberal Democrat Robert Payne acknowledged residents’ frustrations with ongoing expansion and questioned the suitability of the site due to poor access. Portishead Independents councillor Roger Whitfield sympathized with Nailsea’s predicament but conceded the council faces limited options.
Labour councillor Clare Hunt opposed the scheme, citing the site’s exclusion from local planning and the infeasibility of improving road infrastructure, wryly suggesting a helipad might be necessary for access.
After a close vote of 7 to 5, councillors refused planning permission. Because this decision contradicts the planning officers’ recommendation, the matter will return for confirmation before the refusal is finalized.