AN EXCITING plan for a public open space in Nailsea has been chosen for future development.

In April, almost 100 residents examined three options drawn-up by Bristol-based company, The Next Field, for the 10-acre stretch of land at Engine Lane called Gaulacre.

Following the successful public consultation, Nailsea Town Council, which bought the land in 2008 for recreational use, has now chosen which design it will pursue. It will include allotments, a community orchard, wetlands, a wooden play area and a recreation area featuring a diamond jubilee copse, picnic benches, footpaths and seating. The orchard will be available to schools and local organisations to use and tenants at the 50-55 allotments will have their own 10-15 space car park.

The fields, which are currently leased to a farmer, will have improved access roads and paths, including to the existing pitches used by Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Club.

No public car park is planned but the proposal states one could be included at a later date if needed.

Assistant town clerk Sue Walker said: “The town council took onboard what everyone wanted and this is the option residents chose.

“Because it is going to cost a lot of money we have to now look into how it will be funded.

“There are other priorities in the town we have to take into consideration, including what we do with the Glassworks site and a lot depends on our budget from North Somerset Council next year.”