CONCERNED residents in Nailsea are urging people to join the fight to stop land in the north west of the town being earmarked for development.

North Somerset Council’s draft sites and policies development plan states that an extra 459 new homes need to be built in Nailsea by 2026.

A piece of land in the north west of the town has been allocated for the development, but many residents are distressed at the proposals which they believe will lead to more commuting and traffic problems.

David Gray, who is organising a meeting about the proposals next week, said: “My personal view is that I would like that designation removed from the plan.

“It’s inconsistent with various features in North Somerset Council’s core strategy, which is very clear that large developments will be resisted for Nailsea so I’m rather surprised to see this particular site proposed.

“The core strategy points out Nailsea was developed as a dormitory town and there’s a high rate of commuting out and my personal view is that building a large development will aggravate the situation.

“It doesn’t support sustainable development because it would increase the distance people travel to work.

“It is also incompatible with Nailsea Town Council’s parish plan which envisages limited development.”

The plans are still in the consultation stage and Mr Gray hopes other people will object before the April 19 deadline and pressure the council to revise the plans. The new plan, along with the core strategy document, guides decisions on planning applications and development in the district until 2026.

Residents are being urged to attend a public meeting on March 14 at 8pm in the function room of the Moorend Spout, in Union Street.

People will be able to voice their views and find out more about the proposals.