Bath and North East Somerset Council has unveiled a comprehensive list of potential locations for new housing developments across the district, aiming to meet a government-mandated target of over 27,000 homes by 2043. This announcement follows an expanded housing target that compelled the council to reconsider its development approach.
The newly published 448-page “local plan options document” outlines areas being considered for allocation in the next local plan—a key framework guiding all planning decisions and identifying suitable sites for growth until 2043. Without this local plan, the council’s ability to regulate unwanted developments is significantly diminished.
After an earlier consultation in 2024, the council has reopened public engagement to reflect the increased housing target set by the government. At a cabinet meeting on September 25, Matt McCabe, the cabinet member for built environment, housing, and sustainable development, emphasized the council’s strategy: “Scattering 27,000 houses across Bath and North East Somerset was not an option. To achieve a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable economy while maximizing affordable housing delivery, our focus must be on large, strategic sites.”
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The council has proposed four significant development areas primarily concentrated along the Bath to Bristol corridor and the Somer Valley, aligning with the West of England’s growth strategy that promises increased investment funding. While these four large sites have council support, much of the rest of the proposed land for development is being promoted by private developers.
The document also introduces possible new planning policies, including a potential ban on converting family homes in Bath into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). The current consultation runs from October 3 to November 14, with several in-person events planned across Bath and North East Somerset, details of which are available on the consultation website.
Detailing the four major council-backed sites, McCabe explained: “Though challenged, these strategic sites benefit from the West of England’s focus on the A4 corridor and Somer Valley, promising infrastructure investments that will enable housing delivery for our residents.”
The four proposed major sites are:
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Hicks Gate: An “exemplary” housing development west of the Hicks Gate Roundabout, potentially integrating with adjacent land designated for Bristol City Council’s development plans. Measures would be in place to preserve a green gap between the development and Keynsham, preventing urban sprawl. Public transport links, including a future transport interchange at Hicks Gate, would facilitate easy access to both Bath and Bristol, while Keynsham town centre will serve residents’ local needs.
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Western Edge of Keynsham: The largest proposed site is situated between the railway and the River Avon on Keynsham’s western outskirts. This development would partially relocate the Avon Valley Country Park to accommodate housing. The proposal includes new student accommodation, a primary school, leisure facilities, and enhancing river access for moorings and recreational use.
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East of Globe Roundabout, Bath: A more cautiously approached proposal on the triangle between Twerton, Pennyquick, and the A4—a green area integral to Bath’s status as a double World Heritage Site. The document acknowledges that development here would cause significant harm to the World Heritage Site designation, but includes it to explore whether substantial strategic benefits could outweigh that harm. If developed, the site would require exemplary design and could serve as a new home for the Newbridge Park & Ride, allowing redevelopment of the current site.
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North Plateau of Midsomer Norton: This site lies outside the A4 corridor, separated from the town by a buffer of green fields to maintain its hillside setting. Currently accessed by narrow lanes, any development would require significant infrastructure upgrades including road widening and improved pavements.
Beyond these four council-backed sites, the local plan options document lists numerous other areas proposed for new housing, including additional developments around Keynsham, expansion in Radstock and Saltford, and significant building near the village of Whitchurch on Bristol’s outskirts.
The document also references existing housing commitments across various sites totaling several thousand homes.
This extensive list forms the basis of the council’s consultation, inviting residents to review and provide feedback on the future shape of their communities.