Locals near Bristol accept thousands of new homes. A councillor advises shaping the plan, not rejecting it.
This village has tried hard to protect its green belt. The councillor thinks villagers now accept the housing plan. They want to help shape what happens next.
Ash Cartman is an independent councillor for the village. He says rejecting the plan is not a good option anymore, because central government demands more housing.
The government says North Somerset needs 23,895 homes by 2040. This is 8,620 more than before. The council delayed its local plan and they need to consult on home locations. This plan guides area decisions for 15 years.
The plan shows land east of Bishopsworth as “suitable.” This area is near the A38 and a golf course; it could hold 4,000 homes. Other land borders the village, and this land could fit 3,009 homes. The map marks this as “other potential.”
Cartman thinks the closer site is unacceptable. He says they could work with the other site’s homes, believing sharing development is fair and that it needs to preserve the village’s character. He insists that saying no gets them nowhere.
Cartman desires quality development too, believing it must be a source of community pride. He doesn’t want a plain Bristol extension. He says the council must listen to concerns and should not label residents as obstructionists.
The housing plan came after a lost battle where a healthcare company will build its HQ nearby. This campus sits between the bypass and link road. The Parish Council feared the village would merge into Bristol. Cartman left his group due to support for the plan.
North Somerset’s local plan consultation runs until March 21. Wolvershill might become a new village. Backwell could see more development, while Nailsea might expand in several directions. Pill could gain about 1,000 homes and Portishead Down may get 400 homes.