Concern planned homes would turn Backwell village into town

Campaigners fear proposals for more than 500 homes would turn a village into a small town.

Developer Taylor Wimpey launched its plans for the edge of Backwell, in North Somerset, in December.

Some villagers are concerned the 515 homes would lead to the area being asked to "bear an unfair burden" for commuters into Bristol.

Taylor Wimpey said it had considered all feedback as it finalised its plans.

The plans would cover land between Grove Farm and Burnt House Farm, and include 180 affordable homes and land for a primary school, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

A local campaign called Save Our Village has been set up against the plans and wider proposals for hundreds of homes, including 90 in Farleigh Fields and 65 homes near Nailsea and Backwell Railway Station.

Christopher J Watkins, a GP who has lived in Backwell for 35 years, said: "The proposed development plan would change the character of Backwell from a rural village into a small town.

"Such a change needs to be done only with the explicit consent of those who live here at present."

Dr Watkins said the homes could lead to the village being "over-represented" by people commuting to Bristol, which is approximately a 20 minute drive away.

Residents raised concerns over affordable homes, traffic pressures and the scale of the development to Taylor Wimpey in September at a public consultation event.

Taylor Wimpey said it would be looking at building a range of homes, including those for first-time homebuyers, and added Backwell was earmarked for growth in North Somerset Council's draft local plan.

The developer said it was "committed to an ongoing open dialogue" with locals.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: "We are aware of residents' concerns regarding local infrastructure provisions linked to our proposed development on Grove Farm/Burnt House Farm in Backwell.

"We understand the importance of listening to the community, and we have considered all feedback as we finalise our plans/proposals.

"We have had extensive discussions with North Somerset Council and Lighthouse Schools Partnership regarding local school provision, and we can confirm that our proposals will provide land for phased expansion of Backwell's primary education provision.

"Our proposals also promote the self-containment of Backwell village, which is why extensive measures are proposed to enhance local connectivity by improving cycle and pedestrian routes, and support local services and facilities."

A new park would be created at the south of the development, across Chelvey Road, with bat habitats as well as community growing patches, orchards and play areas.

It is not yet known when a decision on the plans will be made by North Somerset Council.

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