A housing developer has submitted a fresh application in Yatton on a site which has been rejected twice previously.

Last summer, after a four-year battle by campaigners, North Somerset Council refused Persimmon's Moor Road planning application.

Persimmon did not appeal that decision, but have instead submitted a new application.

The developer wants to build 60 homes on the field which was used by the junior section of Yatton Rugby Club for seven years, with an access road crossing The Grange orchard out on to the junction with Kenn Moor Road.

Persimmon had its plan to build 66 homes and a road through the historic orchard rejected by North Somerset Council's planning committee in July.

Yatton Parish Council said it would not support the plans at its meeting last month.

Its spokesman said: 'The parish council cannot see any merit in this new application and conclude that the long-term future of the village cannot be compromised for the short-term benefit of the developer.

'The principle objections made under the previous application remain unaddressed and therefore are still applicable to this proposal.

'The proposal would cause significant and irreversible harm to the rural countryside setting at the entrance gateway to the village along Moor Road, to the setting of the grade-II listed building, The Grange.

'The access on to Moor Road was unacceptable and this application should not be allowed to proceed unless access can be secured through the development of the rugby club site, which it's understood is progressing towards the planning application stage.'

Persimmon said the development would 'reflect the local character and embrace good practice design and sustainable development practice including the provision of market and affordable housing to address social need'.

Its design and access statement added: 'These uses will benefit the wider community providing new pedestrian links, housing, public open space and creating job opportunities during construction.'

The land is owned by Children's Hospice South West and North Somerset will make the final decision.