The proposal to build 381 homes—40% of which would be affordable—on 28 acres of green belt land in North Somerset has sparked outrage and objections from more than 200 locals. The site, planned for development by Land Value Appliances LLP (LVA), is situated on the northern edge of Nailsea, flanked by Clevedon Road (B1130) leading west to Clevedon and east to Bristol. However, the land’s designation as part of the green belt, in addition to concerns about flooding and the abundant wildlife it harbors, has prompted strong opposition from the community.
The objections highlight the perceived disrespectfulness of the plans, with one individual questioning the purpose of declaring the area as green belt if it can be exploited for development. The sentiment that the land serves as an important buffer zone between Nailsea and Wraxall, embodying the essence of green belt protection, has been emphasized. Concerns have also been raised about the potential irreversible impact on the semi-rural local environment if the green belt is compromised.
North Somerset Council’s ongoing deliberations on its new local plan, aimed at identifying suitable development areas over the next 15 years, have been brought into focus. The objections stress the importance of a proper, planned approach to green belt revisions through the local plan review process, rather than through unexpected speculative planning applications.
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The evolving nature of the local plan, particularly in response to government pressure to create more housing space, underscores the shifting priorities pertaining to green belt preservation. The objections stress the unique ecological landscape and flood-prone nature of the site, emphasizing the need for special considerations for green belt development, beyond the proposed housing and amenities.
While developers argue that the proposed development would not lead to urban sprawl and would offer various community benefits, local residents remain steadfast in their belief that the sanctity of green belt areas should be maintained. They express a desire to uphold the original vision for green belt protection, calling for environmental respect in the face of development pressures.