North Somerset Council is advancing plans to deliver nearly 25,000 new homes over the next 15 years, marking a significant increase from previous housing targets. Following government directives, the council has identified development sites for 24,010 new residential dwellings alongside approximately 70 hectares of land designated for employment use.
Originally tasked with accommodating 23,475 new homes—a figure 8,175 higher than the previous Local Plan’s allocation of 15,275 dwellings—the council’s proposed strategy now includes a mix of urban expansions, strategic growth locations, and new town developments designed to meet growing housing and infrastructure demands.
Key highlights include four major strategic growth areas: Wolvershill north of Banwell with 3,300 homes; a new development near South-West Bristol (Woodspring) for 3,730 homes; around 3,700 homes planned in Nailsea and Backwell; and Pill and Easton-in-Gordano, which will see five new sites delivering 1,100 homes.
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The plan centers most growth within towns such as Weston-super-Mare—the principal settlement—despite constraints like flood risk, as well as surrounding villages with strong community ties. Additional smaller site allocations are proposed across Portishead, Clevedon, Banwell, Bleadon, Churchill/Langford, Congresbury, Long Ashton, Sandford, Winscombe, Wrington, and Yatton/Claverham.
Council officers emphasize that alongside housing, critical infrastructure improvements—such as roads, schools, medical facilities, employment spaces, and public transit—will be carefully planned, although some projects depend on future government funding. The evolving Local Plan is expected to be presented for formal cabinet approval in September before independent examination by the planning inspectorate.
Cabinet member for planning and environment, Cllr Annemieke Waite, highlighted the council’s commitment to balancing housing needs with protecting Somerset’s beautiful countryside. She noted strong community engagement during the latest consultation period and broad support for focusing growth in key settlements to ensure sustainable development.
Extensive consultation since 2020 has shaped this updated blueprint. The council continues to refine and review potential sites to deliver homes that meet both current and future demands while maintaining the quality of life for existing and new residents alike.