Somerset faces pressure to build thousands of new homes by 2040, sparking debates over green belt development.
Imagine new houses south of Long Ashton creating a new area: “south west Bristol.” North Somerset Council needs to build 23,895 homes by 2040, as required by the government. That’s 8,620 more homes than previously planned.
North Somerset must now find space, forcing them to delay their local plan. This plan decides the area’s planning policies. Finding space is tough because much land is green belt, at flood risk or part of the protected Mendip Hills area.
A council leader calls it a “difficult balancing act,” saying the increased target makes it harder. The local plan aims for a positive future, helping with housing and jobs. Residents should share ideas to help shape this future.
A plan showing potential home locations is open for feedback until March 21st. Wolvershill could get a new village, and Backwell may see more development too. Nailsea could grow to the north, south, and west, while Pill might get about 1,000 more homes, and Portishead Down could have 400 homes.
Building 7,000 homes south of Long Ashton is controversial. The council refers to the area as “south west Bristol,” but Long Ashton wants to stay separate from Bristol. A company is building its HQ nearby, and houses could surround the HQ near Yanley. Homes might spread across the golf course and reach Long Ashton’s southern edge.
North Somerset now needs to build 1,593 homes yearly. One official said that’s difficult, as they usually build 800-900 houses annually. They will try to achieve the new target; however, if the council doesn’t find enough space, the government will choose where to build.