Developers Taylor Wimpey have submitted plans to North Somerset Council to build 82 new homes on an 18-acre site at Youngwood Farm, located in the south-west corner of Nailsea. This proposal marks the third phase of the Netherton Grange development and adds to a growing number of large-scale housing projects in the area.
The planned homes will vary from one to five bedrooms, with 30%—a total of 25 houses—designated as affordable housing. The design includes two cul-de-sacs accessible through the existing Netherton Grange development, aiming to create a sustainable extension of the town.
According to the planning application, the site is well-placed between current developments and future projects, benefiting from proximity to local facilities and services. The developers also highlight the preservation of surrounding woodland and tree-lined boundaries, which will provide a natural green setting for the new neighborhood. The historic farmhouse at Youngwood Farm will remain intact, although the surrounding barns and farm buildings are slated for demolition.
READ MORE: Rural Somerset Convenience Store Approved for 24-Hour Alcohol Sales
READ MORE: Weston Pub Set to Transform into Homes and Shops After Years of Negotiations
Nailsea, once a village, has rapidly expanded into a town, especially since World War II. Many historic farmhouses now find themselves nestled amid newer housing estates built over former farmland. However, this rapid growth has led to some concerns among residents.
Opponents of the plans express worries about what they describe as ‘housebuilding overload.’ A previous proposal to build 200 homes near Netherton Lane was refused permission by the council, and an appeal against that decision remains unresolved. This latest proposal at Youngwood Farm has also drawn 19 formal objections.
Critics argue that Nailsea is experiencing disproportionate residential growth in a short period, with key local services struggling to keep pace. One resident warned that adding 82 more homes could push community resources beyond their limits. Another noted that the fields provide a “scenic and safe” walking route cherished by many locals and questioned the necessity of new homes given the existing unsold properties and diminishing green spaces.
The planning application is currently under review by North Somerset Council, with community views playing an important role in the decision-making process.