Plans are again in the works to build homes across a beloved green field in a Somerset village.

Persimmon withdrew their plans to build 116 homes on Farleigh Fields in Backwell in February, but a re-designed bid was always expected. Now they have submitted a planning application for a slightly scaled back 90 home-development.

After a hard-fought public inquiry, developers secured the outline approval to build up to 119 homes on the north field. But as “outline” permission, Permission still needs approval from North Somerset Council for the design and layout of the development before building work can commence.

The developers withdrew their previous plans after locals in the village raised concerns, stating: “We have noted the public comments detailed on the council’s website, where issues relating to flooding and the outfall, design parameters and landscaping have been raised by local residents. After a period of reflection, we have come to the conclusion that the best course of action is to formally withdraw the planning application.”

Now Persimmon says that they are submitting a redesign which takes into account feedback from council officers. A cover letter submitted with the application stated: “As a result of the redesign to help achieve an improved design, we have reduced the number of dwellings to 90 units which includes 27 affordable units (30%).”

The development will be fully electric, using air source heat pumps to heat the new homes and infrastructure for EV charging at each home. The edges of the development will also have an enhanced “ecological buffer” around the site and investment to improve the nature of a neighbouring field.

A design and access statement submitted with the application added: “The scheme has been laid out to allow a view from the entrance to the site to the south towards the Church of St. Andrew. Further views to the Church will be possible from the areas of green space on the southern parts of the site.”

But some people in Backwell remain opposed to the plan, with five objections lodged on the council’s planning portal and no comments in support. One person said: “The concerns about the build have not changed. There is still not the infrastructure in the village to support this level of build.”

Flooding remained a major concern, despite Persimmon’s plans for a pond to aid with drainage. Another person said: “It is unclear what parts of this application have been addressed and changed since the previous withdrawal of planning application.”

You can view and comment on the plans here: https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=S49LB9LPFG000