Whitchurch, a quaint village nestled near Bristol, could see a dramatic transformation into a bustling town following proposals to designate land for thousands of new homes. Bath and North East Somerset Council is currently inviting public feedback on its new local plan, which aims to accommodate over 27,000 new homes across the region by 2043.
The local plan outlines potential housing allocations, and Whitchurch sits prominently among the proposed sites. Currently home to about 2,000 people, the village could see the construction of thousands of additional homes, radically altering its size and character.
Council cabinet member Paul May, who also serves as Whitchurch’s local councillor, expressed the tension between his dual roles. While he supports releasing the plan for public consultation, he remains committed to preserving Whitchurch’s village identity. “My role as local member will be fighting for my village to retain its village status,” he emphasized.
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The council has identified four major development sites focused on areas with better infrastructure prospects: Hicks Gate, North Keynsham, West of Bath, and the Somer Valley north of Midsomer Norton. However, developers have put forward five additional proposals specifically targeting expansion around Whitchurch.
Councilor May criticized some of these proposals, stating they do not align with the council’s strategy of concentrating growth in large, strategically located sites. He cautioned, “This level of growth would transform the character of Whitchurch from a village into a town.”
Among the options for Whitchurch’s expansion are significant developments such as an eastward growth including the Horseworld site, proposing 1,000 to 1,300 new homes. Another substantial plan would see between 1,900 and 2,500 homes built to the southeast, between Woollard Lane and Queen Charlton Lane. These two combined could amount to nearly 3,000 to 3,800 new residences.
Smaller proposals involve constructing 350 to 450 homes southwest of the village near the A37 and Church Road, alongside plans for 300 to 400 homes on the outskirts between Whitchurch and Stockwood near Staunton Lane. Additionally, a further 300 to 380 homes could be built across Stockwood Lane adjacent to the Stockwood Vale Golf Course.
The council is revising its local plan after a government mandate doubled its housing target earlier this year. Until a comprehensive plan secures a five-year housing land supply, the council’s ability to prevent unwanted developments remains limited.
Council leader Kevin Guy highlighted the council’s balanced approach in the consultation message: “As your local council, we are not NIMBYs. We acknowledge the housing affordability crisis in our area, but development must be coupled with the right services, infrastructure, and employment opportunities to foster sustainable communities. Our focus is on placing the right homes in the right places, concentrating growth on strategic sites rather than scattered development.”
Further consultation is planned for spring or summer 2026, when the council will present a draft local plan based on selected sites. After governmental review and public scrutiny, the plan is expected to gain approval and come into effect by summer 2027.