A significant new housing development proposes to add 200 homes to the village of Failand in North Somerset, potentially transforming its unique triangular footprint. Currently home to about 350 residences, Failand is famously defined by a clear triangle formed by Clevedon Road, Weston Road, and Flax Bourton Road.
The development, put forward by Hill Residential, aims to build on a field west of Flax Bourton Road. In their submission to North Somerset Council, the developers emphasized the opportunity to create a “connected and inclusive” extension that strengthens the village core, encourages active travel, and respects local character and community needs.
The project envisions a “relatively low density” neighborhood featuring a blend of terraces, detached, and semi-detached two-story homes. Streets lined with trees and simple, traditional building designs would complement the village’s existing aesthetic.
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Historically, the central triangle of Failand was once the Sixty Acre Plantation. Expansion beyond this shape has been limited due to surrounding green belt protections. While North Somerset is planning for nearly 24,000 new homes within 15 years, this site remains within the green belt. However, developers argue the area qualifies as “grey belt” land — a category from past government reforms denoting lower priority green belt land that may be suitable for development.
The proposal has sparked resistance among villagers. Objectors argue that labeling the site as grey belt is misleading and stress that Failand’s rural setting and strong community identity would suffer from large-scale development and its associated commercialization. One resident warned that the village’s unique character, once lost, cannot be restored.
Nine formal objections have been submitted to the council. Concerns also focus on the impact on local wildlife, noting that species such as deer, badgers, bats, and foxes depend on the existing trees, flowers, and hedgerows for survival. Protecting biodiversity remains a priority for many in the community who fear negative environmental effects.