Plans for 250 homes in Charfield, north of Bristol, were approved despite objections regarding infrastructure and village impact.
This site is one of two for village expansion. The local plan still needs government approval. Inspectors will review it in spring 2026. Another plan proposes 525 more homes near the other side of Charfield. These plans could increase the village size, potentially growing the population by a third.
Many people objected to the housing development. Four councils and Active Travel England objected, and the crime officer also objected. The economic team raised concerns because earlier plans included employment opportunities, but these changed. A resident mentioned traffic calming as unrealistic.
The resident said the traffic plan would be bad. He noted the application came from 2019 and the neighborhood plan did not want big development. The parish council cited infrastructure problems. They mentioned school capacity and poor bus service.
A councilor said the plan was premature. He added that selling homes before ensuring school places was unfair and asked for a condition regarding school capacity. More spaces must come before housing, other committee members agreed with him.
A council officer said school expansion is planned to open by 2029. A reception class opening in 2028 is possible. They stated that few houses would exist by 2027, and current spaces are full, with some students traveling from miles away. The school can handle village students right now, so they feel 2029 expansion will cover the new residents.
Another resident objected to the walking path, stating that it impacts privacy and security. Views into his garden would lack restriction. Planners said hedges stay, so privacy should remain for him.
The company will invest £9.4 million locally. Schools will get £1.6 million, according to planners. Roadwork and transport get funding, and community spaces will be improved. The parish council gets over £500,000, with affordable homes making up 35 percent.
The company stated their focus isn’t just houses, but sustainable growth. Developers said infrastructure will improve; they plan to strengthen the Charfield community and enhance services. They highlighted improvements to green spaces and infrastructure.
Developers will assist on the M5 junction 14, having agreed on this with National Highways. Public transport, including Charfield station, will get funds. The station should reopen around 2027. Sustrans supported the plan thanks to the Greenway.