Plans to build warehouses on the edge of Yatton have been welcomed by parish councillors who believe it will open up job opportunities.

Seven light industrial units are planned for Arnolds Way, on a site adjoining Bloor Homes’ housing estate.

The developer received permission for phase one of its project – featuring 150 homes – back in 2015.

But a corner of the site, close to Briar Mead, was earmarked for business use. While the houses have been built, the business side has so far been untouched.

Uphold Ltd has purchased the land from Bloor and wants to provide storage or distribution units there.

In its application to North Somerset Council, Uphold states it planned to build a nursery on site.

But it scrapped the idea on health and safety grounds due to proximity to a gas main.

Yatton Parish Council’s planning committee voted on Monday to support the application, ahead of North Somerset Council making a final decision.

Cllr Roger Wood said its proximity to other industrial businesses – such as Smart Systems – meant it was a suitable location.

Committee chairman, Robert Jenner, was supportive of the scheme.

He said: “I think anything which brings employment into Yatton should be welcomed.”

Some concerns from homeowners in Briar Mead however have been raised.

One villager, in their response to North Somerset Council, said: “My view from upstairs of fields and sheep will be replaced by warehouse units.

“This part of Yatton is being over developed and the village infrastructure is a joke.”

However, parish councillors agreed protecting somebody’s rural view is not a sufficient reason to oppose an application.

Cllr Jonathan Edwards however said adding industrial units to Yatton was an ‘unimaginative’ option.

He also called for some better landscaping than that illustrated in the plans, to help reduce the visual impact of a large warehouse to neighbours.

Yatton parish councillors voted unanimously to support the scheme.