North Somerset Council has unveiled plans for the construction of thousands of additional homes throughout the countryside of Somerset. Following a directive from the government, the local authority has been tasked with accommodating a mandatory 23,895 new homes by 2040, an increase of 8,620 from previous quotas.
The proposed new local plan, set for the 15-year period of 2025-2040, seeks to address this housing demand and will supersede the current development plan, which is scheduled to conclude in 2026.
Commencing with a public consultation until March 21, the council has earmarked potential major housing locations, including the establishment of a new village at Wolvershill, further development in Backwell, expansion of Nailsea, construction of additional homes in Pill, and an outlined plan for 400 homes in Portishead Down. However, the most contested proposal is the allocation of 7,000 homes in the area directly south of Long Ashton, identified as “south west Bristol.”
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North Somerset residents have the opportunity to provide feedback on the consultation and access detailed information on the proposed plans.
The comprehensive list of potential development sites and strategic growth locations includes areas within Weston-super-Mare, South West Bristol, Nailsea and Backwell, Clevedon, Portishead, Banwell, Bleadon, Churchill/Langford, Congresbury, Long Ashton, Pill/Easton-in-Gordano, Sandford, Winscombe, Wrington, and Yatton/Claverham.
With a housing target of 23,895 dwellings, the existing shortfall stands at a minimum of 8,620 dwellings. However, it may be mitigated by the 7,481 dwellings proposed at the identified strategic growth locations, ultimately narrowing the shortfall to 1,139 dwellings. The overall capacity across the ‘other potential’ site locations indicates an ample opportunity to address the residual shortfall.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the consultation and provide input on the proposed developments before the plan’s adoption.