We are seeking views on proposed changes to a
policy detailing the future development of the area.
The draft core strategy determines the scale and general
location of development in the area up to 2026.
The changes to the strategy are the result of the new
government, which abolished the regional layer of the plan. This
allows local councils to determine their own level of housing
growth.
The main change involves a reduction in the number of homes
proposed to be built throughout North Somerset in the next fifteen
years.
The new target of 13,400 dwellings is significantly less than
the draft Regional Spatial Strategy proposal of 26,750, meaning
that we can now plan for the housing and employment needs
of our residents, without damage to the environment and loss
of Green Belt.
The second key change is the proposal to allow some villages to
keep their settlement boundaries but permit a small amount of
infill residential development.
This change has come about as a result of the council listening
to the views of local communities who want thriving rural villages.
Small amounts of housing for local people can then be permitted and
built within the village when the opportunity arises.
The consultation will ask individual villages whether or not
this approach is appropriate.
The third change outlines a new approach to development at
Weston-super-Mare, focused on place-making and community
building.
This retains the emphasis on employment-led development, but now
proposes the creation of two new villages at Winterstoke (Weston
Airfield) and Parklands (former RAF Locking and adjacent land) each
with its own character and sense of identity.
The overall capacity of the Weston villages will be around 5,000
to 6,000 dwellings.
Deputy leader Cllr Elfan Ap Rees said:
“We would ask as many people as possible to have their say on
these proposed key changes which will help inform the next stage of
the Core Strategy and ensure that the council’s planning polices
continue to reflect the future needs of North Somerset
communities.
These seek to balance jobs, houses and local environmental
constraints so please have your say”.
The consultation runs until 22 November.
