A DEVELOPMENT of four houses on the site of a former barn in Nailsea has cleared its first hurdle thanks to approval from the town council.

Two three-bedroom and two four-bedroom homes could be built on land where Leighwood Drive meets Barnwood Court after plans submitted to North Somerset Council by applicant CJL Construction, were given approval by Nailsea Town Council’s planning and environmental committee on August 22. This was despite seven objections from neighbours.

Residents living nearby raised concerns about difficulties already experienced by bin and recycling lorries turning in the road, lack of on-street parking, construction vehicles causing disruption, lack of privacy and restriction of views.

Neighbours also said previous applications had been refused on similar grounds and the barn should become listed, but a representative of the agent, Chris Hall told councillors previous planning permission had been granted which had lapsed.

He said: “The houses will have long drives which will allow space for two vehicles each.

“At the moment the site is clear and ready to be developed but if it doesn’t get planning permission it will be vulnerable to travellers making camp.”

A final decision on whether the application can go ahead is due to be made by North Somerset Council.