Residents of Claverham, a small village in North Somerset, are raising concerns over two major housing projects that together could increase the village’s size by a third.
Wain Homes has applied to build 100 new homes on the southern edge of Claverham, while Latimer Homes is consulting on plans for up to 120 new houses on fields at the village’s northern boundary, with a planning application expected soon.
Currently home to around 600 properties, Claverham faces a significant transformation if both developments go ahead. Jane Dare, chair of local campaign group Claverham Future, emphasizes that the opposition is not about resisting growth — “We are not NIMBYs,” she said — but about preventing the village from being overwhelmed. “The scale and location of these two developments are unsuitable and would swamp the community we cherish.”
READ MORE: Yeovil Hospital Refutes Claims of Thermometer Removal Amid Heatwave
READ MORE: Kiran Carlson Blitzes Century as Glamorgan Defeat Somerset by Seven Wickets
Latimer Homes highlights that 30% of its proposed homes will be affordable housing and describes its plans as delivering “much-needed, high-quality homes within an existing settlement.” The access road for the northern development would run off Claverham Road, through the site where a historic house, 67 Claverham Road, once stood before being demolished in 2024.
However, local residents worry about the impact on road safety and traffic. Claverham Road is currently narrow and struggling with existing traffic volumes. “Adding over 200 cars would create a dangerous situation,” Ms. Dare warns. “Children walking to school along the narrow pavement would face increased risks from vehicles, buses, and lorries forced to mount the kerb to pass each other.”
The community continues to advocate for development that respects the village’s character and infrastructure limits, urging planners to reconsider these proposals carefully.