After four decades of resistance, developers have finally secured approval to build 90 homes on the picturesque Farleigh Fields in Backwell, North Somerset. The long-awaited permission was granted by planning officers at North Somerset Council, marking the end of a fierce battle that dates back to the 1980s.
The development plans by Persimmon were initially rejected by the council, only to be overturned by the planning inspectorate in 2022. Despite a temporary setback when a revised application was withdrawn due to public concerns about flooding and other issues, a scaled-back proposal for 90 homes along with six self-build plots was eventually submitted and approved at the end of 2023.
One of the key arguments in favor of the development was the strategic layout of the scheme, designed to preserve views of the Church of St. Andrew and enhance the surrounding green spaces. However, local residents continue to express concerns about unaddressed flood risks associated with the project.
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This victory for the developers marks the end of a protracted struggle that saw numerous attempts to develop the fields dating back to the 1980s. Past proposals by CH Beezer Homes and Persimmon were thwarted by local and governmental refusals, culminating in this landmark approval for a fully electric, eco-conscious development.
Amidst the controversy, it is noteworthy that the project includes a commitment to providing 30% affordable housing, as well as infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and an ecological buffer around the site to enhance the neighboring field’s natural environment.