Huge housing extension planned for North Somerset town

Plans are being drawn up for up to 600 homes on a huge site in the greenbelt in Nailsea. 

Nailsea Holdings is eyeing up 25 hectares of arable farmland on the northern edge of the town. 

It has asked North Somerset Council to take a look at early proposals that also include two hectares of land for commercial, leisure or specialist housing to consider the environmental impact. 

The authority confirmed that an environmental statement would be required.

Nailsea Holdings said in its request for a screening opinion: “Upon completion, the delivery of around 600 residential units and two hectares of land for commercial, leisure or specialist housing is likely to provide benefits in respect of local housing demand, job creation and increased spending in the area. 

“The introduction of a new residential population may lead to some demand on nearby community facilities such as primary schools, healthcare facilities and secondary schools.

“However, it is considered that any effects that may require mitigation as a result of the proposed development and the increase in population would be secured by financial contributions through an appropriate mechanism (i.e. s106, CIL or equivalent).”

It said the potentially significant impact on the landscape would be considered in the environmental statement alongside the flood risk and the effect on ecology. 

A previous scoping opinion request to the council in 2018 by Land Value Alliance – which says it focuses on “forming responsible alliances with landowners and all other stakeholders to create developments which add value to their communities” – was not followed by a planning application. 

A post on the firm’s website said it was pressing at political and strategic levels for the greenbelt that “constrains” Nailsea to be reviewed.