Inquiry into refusal for 140 homes on greenbelt land near Bristol begins. Developers appeal citing housing needs.
Redrow and Ashfield Land wanted those homes. The area is four fields in Hanham. People walk there often, it’s a local spot. The plan required bulldozing a house. They’d build roads and two-story houses with some flats included.
The council said no to the building because it is open countryside. They explained that housing estates don’t belong there, stating that the area is strictly controlled.
The local plan suggests homes there, but it’s not official until later. Government inspectors will check it in spring 2026. The council worries about losing open space and harming recreation.
The appeal hearing starts on May 7. Developers say houses are needed badly, because South Gloucestershire isn’t building enough. Many folks need affordable housing, and they claim the location is good since it’s near services and Bristol.
Developers say the council lacks a five-year housing supply and call this area “grey belt” land, claiming it’s not important greenbelt. Even if it is, they argue the homes help more than they harm. Past appeals agreed settlement rules are old.
Over 1,500 people said no to the homes, and the parish council also objected strongly. Other groups joined in as well, such as the Woodland Trust, along with a council officer and ex-MP. The council will fight the appeal, and the hearing takes ten days.