A proposal by Gladman Developments Ltd to build 130 new homes on 3.7 hectares of greenfield land in the North East Somerset village of Paulton has sparked significant local opposition. Despite the developer’s claim that the new homes will serve a diverse demographic—including starter homes for first-time buyers and retirement options, with 30% designated as affordable housing—residents are voicing their fears that the village is already stretched beyond its limits.
With 215 formal objections submitted to Bath and North East Somerset Council, many locals argue that Paulton’s infrastructure cannot accommodate further growth. Lisa James, a concerned resident, said, “Paulton village is at full capacity now for any more dwellings, with doctors, dentists, and schools bursting at the seams. Our parks are overcrowded on sunny days, and there is little for our youth to do.”
Debbie James highlighted ongoing development concerns, stating, “The large housing project on the Purnells site, which is still underway, has dramatically increased the village population. Paulton is quickly losing its village identity and resembles more a town—yet unlike towns, it lacks the infrastructure and amenities to support such growth.”
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Among the supporters, Alf Kingman stressed the housing shortage, remarking, “Young people here have little chance of owning a home if more developments keep getting rejected.”
Paulton Parish Council officially opposed the planning application on September 9, citing worries about highways, sewage capacity, and overall infrastructure strain. The council emphasized the importance of prioritizing brownfield sites like the Purnells area, where 72 houses have already been approved but remain unbuilt. They argue that adding 130 homes on top of these would overburden local services.
Gladman has pledged to retain existing hedgerows and trees where possible, removing some only for road access. This current application is for outline planning permission, assessing whether building 130 homes on this site is acceptable. Should approval be granted, detailed plans and designs would be submitted in a subsequent application.
The debate highlights the challenge of balancing housing needs with the sustainability of local communities like Paulton.