Leaders from across the West of England have unanimously endorsed plans to develop a pioneering new town at Hicks Gate, situated between Bristol and Keynsham. This visionary project aims to create a vibrant, zero-carbon community, spanning Brislington Park and Ride and adjoining fields along the A4, reaching the edge of Keynsham and crossing the boundary between Bristol and Bath & North East Somerset, just opposite South Gloucestershire.
The West of England Combined Authority (WECA) committee, including the three council leaders and Mayor Helen Godwin, gave their full backing to the masterplan during their meeting in Bristol on June 5. Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, stating, “This is an excellent example of why you need a combined authority — it crosses three areas and only by working together can we draw down the huge sums of money that are needed to create the transport connectivity.”
Key features of the plan involve relocating the existing park and ride to a new multi-storey car park and transport interchange near the Hicks Gate roundabout. The masterplan envisions this interchange becoming a vital gateway both into Bristol and into the new community itself.
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Although the development will impact some greenfield land, Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer, representing the Green Party, emphasized that the masterplan prioritizes nature, biodiversity, affordable housing, and transport infrastructure. He noted, “Over 80% of our development is on brownfield sites; Hicks Gate is one of the few areas with greenfield land, so its careful development is crucial.”
The proposed town would comprise between 2,500 and 3,050 new homes, along with two new primary schools and a safeguarded site for a secondary school including a sixth form. While private developers will construct the homes, the masterplan outlines specific expectations and permissions that local planning committees will enforce. These principles will be incorporated into the three councils’ evolving local plans, which govern development policy over the coming decade.
Mayor Helen Godwin stressed the importance of a coordinated approach: “By focusing on a joined-up approach rather than individual developments, we can coordinate access to key infrastructure for residents—nature and green space, core services, homes, and transport links. This masterplan is key to translating strategic goals into tangible improvements for communities across council boundaries.”
South Gloucestershire Council co-leader Ian Boulton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to cement transport infrastructure and governance frameworks that reflect shared responsibility. “If we get that right, Hicks Gate can become a genuine, sustainable, well-connected new community serving the entire region.”
Hicks Gate is among five potential new town developments around Bristol designed to meet the region’s growing housing needs. Other proposed sites include Woodspring in North Somerset, Brabazon on the former Filton Airfield, a new town near Bristol Parkway, and the North Lyde Eco-Tech village in South Gloucestershire.