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The government has increased housing targets for our area to 23,805 new homes over 15 years so we need to look at other areas for development in addition to the ones already outlined in the 2022 draft Local Plan.
The consultation launched last week to find out what you think about potential new housing developments in Weston-super-Mare (primarily Wolvershill), south west Bristol, Nailsea and Backwell.
Several rounds of consultation have already taken place to help us prepare our 15-year Local Plan, covering the years 2025 to 2040.
However, an additional 8,620 dwellings have been allocated to our area since that work took place.
We also need to consider supporting infrastructure, such as roads, employment, schools, medical facilities and public transport.
Much of this depends on government funding, which is not certain.
Producing a Local Plan is a legal obligation and it must comply with government policies, including the National Planning Policy Framework.
Large parts of North Somerset are protected because of green belt, flood risk, or are part of Mendip Hills National Landscape, so the job of delivering new homes that local people need is a difficult balancing act.
Some hard choices will need to be made.
Local people and businesses are invited to have their say, either online or by visiting an upcoming drop-in event.
View plans and ask questions from 3pm to 6pm on:
- Wednesday 26 February at Jubilee Pavilion, Keedwell Hill, Long Ashton
- Wednesday 5 March at Weston-super-Mare Library, Walliscote Grove Road, Weston-super-Mare
- Friday 7 March at Nailsea United Reformed Church, Stockway North, Nailsea
- Monday 10 March at Backwell WI Hall, Station Road, Backwell.
Comments can also be emailed to planning.policy@n-somerset.gov.uk
The consultation runs until 5pm on Friday 21 March.
The final version of the Local Plan will then go out for further public consultation later this year before being submitted to the planning inspectorate for independent examination.