North Somerset Council has revealed that the government’s increased housing targets have compelled them to allocate land within the Bristol green belt for new housing developments. The council’s draft local plan proposes space for thousands of homes to meet the government’s new target, which was raised from 15,000 homes to 24,000 over 15 years under the 2024 Labour government.
During a council webcast Q&A in December, Annemieke Waite, cabinet member for planning and environment, explained the council’s predicament. She outlined the geographical and environmental constraints limiting suitable land for development: large portions lie below sea level and are at flood risk, while the Mendip National Landscape to the south is protected from construction. “That actually leaves just green belt,” she said, emphasizing that the council had tried to avoid greenbelt development but was left with no alternative.
The local plan increases housing density in existing planned developments east of Weston-super-Mare but mainly focuses new growth on greenbelt land between Nailsea and Backwell, around Pill, and an expansion across the former Woodspring Golf Course. These sites were reluctantly chosen due to their relative sustainability and transport links.
Ms Waite pointed out that the Woodspring Golf Course site is located on the A38, providing strong connectivity to Bristol via public transport and cycle paths. She also noted that government policy encourages development near railway stations; Nailsea and Backwell have nearby train stations, and with the planned Portishead to Bristol Railway, Pill will soon have an active station as well. This aligns with government priorities but reinforces why these greenbelt areas were selected.
In addition, the council plans to require 50% affordable housing in developments near the A38 to address local housing needs rather than focusing on large homes. “In an ideal world, I and most people I speak to would rather not build on greenbelt land. But since we have no option, we are committed to building sustainably and ensuring homes meet actual local needs,” Ms Waite stressed.
A six-week public consultation on the new local plan took place from October to December. After submission to the government for approval, the plan will guide development. However, meeting the ambitious target of 24,000 new homes by 2040 presents challenges, including the availability of construction workers in the area to sustain record levels of housing production.