31st October 2025
The latest version of the North Somerset Local Plan (2026 – 2041) (LP) has now been issued, and is available to view on the North Somerset Council (NSC) website.
North Somerset Local Plan 2041 – Pre-submission Plan (Reg 19) – North Somerset Council Consultations
This is the consultation version, which, after any changes, will go to a government inspector to determine whether the LP has been properly prepared. If so, it will be used as the basis for future planning decisions. Comments on this version need to be made by Friday December 12th 2025.
Implications for Backwell
If this Plan is implemented, Backwell will almost double from its current size.
National government has been the driving force for the additional housing needs in North Somerset, but Backwell Parish Council (BPC), Backwell Residents Association (BRA) and Backwell Resistance (BR) all consider that Backwell is being asked to contribute much more than its fair share of new housing.
The increase, shown in the map below, comes from 3 sources.
- Housing under construction Farleigh Fields East (via Farleigh Road); and Land off Rodney Road
- Housing already approved by NSC Grove Farm; Farleigh Fields West (via Dark Lane)
- New housing sites proposed in the Draft North Somerset Local Plan 204
The new housing sites would put 889 houses on the Grade 1 Agricultural Greenbelt Land in the area between Backwell School playing fields, Farleigh Road and Chapel Hill. These sites were the subject of separate presentations at drop-in events at the Parish Hall. NSC has presented these as a combined impact of 889 houses. However, the land promoted by Rubix at the presentation (adjacent to Backwell School) is the subject of a recent action, in preparation for an application for 410 houses, which is expected shortly.
Please note that the site immediately west of Backwell Lake for 582 houses is in Nailsea, but will have an impact on Backwell, particularly if there is an access road by the lake onto Station Road.
The above is based on the Policies Map within the Local Plan, annotated by BRA.
What are we doing?
The implications of this expansion in housing for highways, flooding, ecology, and the character of our village are huge, and are being evaluated by professional experts.
In mid-November, BPC, BRA and BR will deliver a leaflet to every household in Backwell. This will explain the Local Plan proposals in details, and give a help sheet on how to make your comments to NSC, and suggest points you might consider.
What can you do?
Please look at the Local Plan, in particular pages 271 to 276, and wait for the leaflet and help sheet to be delivered as this should make the task of commenting much easier. Pages 263 to 270 show the Nailsea sites. Among the long list of documents, the North Somerset Local Plan Transport Assessment is of interest, along with Appendix E (84 pages), which covers transport in Nailsea and Backwell and mentions the rail crossing.
Please note that NSC has provided a 6-page Help sheet on “How to respond to the Local Plan 2041 Pre submission consultation”, and also include a 4-page guide, which was given for the computer aspects of reporting online for the additional sites consultation earlier this year. This is called “Local Plan Reg 19: Additional Sites Consultation How to respond online”. These documents are aimed at all residents in North Somerset. The Help Sheets to be provided from BPC, BRA and BR will try to avoid technical language where possible and also tailor these to matters concerning Backwell.
We are disappointed that such an important process for Backwell is not given in everyday language where possible. For example, page 274 of the Local Plan, refers to the 889 house E of Backwell and says:
Provision of an overarching Movement and Access Framework for the site to be produced. This must include reference to the North Somerset Council Place and Movement Framework with appropriate selection of route typologies.
It is apparent that most residents are appalled by the scale of change proposed in the LP. Despite the hurdles involved in this process, we urge everyone to make their views known when you receive the BPC/BRA/BR leaflet. It is crucially important that residents make their views known on the future of our village.
25th September 2024
Dear Member
Housing numbers for North Somerset increased by 8,530 to 23,805 homes
Following an announcement from the new Westminster government on the need for more housing, North Somerset Council published the following statement on its website yesterday. BRA will consider the implications for Backwell, and keep members informed.
Statement from North Somerset Council
The council is updating its draft Local Plan to identify potential new locations for development in North Somerset, to help meet the government’s new higher housing target for the district of 23,805 new homes over 15 years.
At the end of July, the government announced proposed changes to planning rules which significantly increases the number of new homes required in North Somerset. Read more in our previous news release:https://n-somerset.gov.uk/news/north-somerset-council-reviewing-local-plan
The council is now working towards identifying where additional development is possible at sustainable locations across North Somerset, outside areas at risk of flooding or other significant constraints.
The council will be assessing potential locations for new development using the following hierarchy:
- Development that maximises urban capacity, focusing on previously developed land and reviewing densities.
- Development at the towns (outside the Green Belt).
- Development at the larger, most sustainable villages (outside the Green Belt).
- Development in the ‘Grey Belt’ in sustainable locations. The government defines the Grey Belt as Green Belt which is either brownfield or makes a limited contribution to Green Belt purposes. The council is reviewing the Green Belt in North Somerset to identify which areas meet this definition.
- Development in the Green Belt adjacent to Bristol and at the towns.
- Development in the Green Belt at the larger, most sustainable villages.
North Somerset Council will be consulting on the potential locations to address the government’s new housing target in early 2025. This will need to take account of delivery and infrastructure issues, such as strategic transport improvements and the provision of other infrastructure.
After reviewing feedback, the council will amend the draft Local Plan and run a final round of consultation later in 2025, before submitting the plan for examination by an independent inspector.
Councillor Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council’s executive member who is responsible for spatial planning, placemaking and economy, said: “With the new government’s significantly higher housing target of 23,805 new homes over 15 years, we now have to find space for an extra 8,530 homes over the plan period.
“And as well as new homes, it’s vital we have the infrastructure, jobs and facilities in place to support this extra development. We will be looking to the government to help deliver the investment and policies to help us to do this.
“This is an enormous challenge and will result in new development being required in many new locations across North Somerset.
“Around 85% of land in North Somerset is at risk from flooding, part of the Mendip Hills landscape, high-quality Green Belt or protected in other ways for environmental or heritage reasons.
“With this in mind, we’ll try to maximise development in our urban areas as much as we can. However, the government have been clear that we need to deliver their housing target, even if that means development in the Green Belt.
“This will be a last resort, but because we have to find space for so many extra houses, this may be our only option in some cases.
“All our communities have a role to play here and should prepare themselves for potentially seeing more development in their area. We want to work closely with them on this. Please do get involved in the consultations next year and look out for further updates from us.”
For more information on the Local Plan, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/localplan2040
22nd January 2024
Dear Member
Please find below the links to the submissions made to North Somerset Council on behalf of Backwell Parish Council and BRA in relation to the draft Local Plan 2039.
Lucy White Planning Limited North Somerset Local Plan 2039 Regulation 19 Stage: Representations On Behalf Of Backwell Parish Council (BPC) And Backwell Residents Association (BRA) 19th January 2024.
Part B forms were also submitted and are available from BRA or the Parish Council.
Neil Brant Consulting Ltd – Transport Assessment January 2024.
23-TP0091 NSC Reg19 Reps – Transport v1r3
Please also find the link for the North Somerset Council Nailsea and Backwell Transport Position Statement 11th October 2023.
Nailsea and Backwell transport position statement V1
10th January 2024
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
The public consultation on this draft LP runs until Monday 22nd January. The key element for Backwell is the inclusion of 515 houses on the Grove Farm and Burnt House Farm sites, which residents have opposed in the past. This proposal is being challenged by Backwell Parish Council (BPC), Backwell Residents Association (BRA) and Backwell Resistance (BR). A technical objection to the LP is being prepared by our planning consultant.
The Plan may be viewed on North Somerset Local Plan 2039: Pre-submission Plan (Reg 19) – North Somerset Council Consultations (inconsult.uk)
The LP is important as it will provide the background for planning decisions affecting Backwell for the foreseeable future and be a big influence on Backwell’s next Neighbourhood Plan.
A Leaflet describing the impact of the draft LP on Backwell, and suggesting key points, was distributed to all households during December. A Help Sheet has also been produced to assist with the consultation process.
We urge all members to make their views known by Monday 22nd January, as numbers count.
The Leaflet and Help Sheet can be found here:
Local Plan 2039 Help Sheet December 2023
16th December 2023
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
The public consultation on this draft plan runs until 22nd of January 2024. The key element for Backwell is the inclusion of 515 houses on the Grove Farm and Burnt House Farm sites, which residents have opposed in the past.
The Plan may be viewed on North Somerset Local Plan 2039: Pre-submission Plan (Reg 19) – North Somerset Council Consultations (inconsult.uk)
- The NORTH SOMERSET LOCAL PLAN 2039 has 300 pages.
- The POLICIES MAP can be “zoomed in” using + in the top left corner, to show the many new houses allocated to Backwell and Nailsea
- The SHORT GUIDE has 10 pages and is “A plain English summary of the proposed local plan, its contents and what happens next”
- HOW TO RESPOND TO THE LOCAL PLAN 2039 has 7 pages
Backwell Residents Association, Backwell Parish Council and Backwell Resistance have combined their efforts to oppose the Plan for Backwell. We have been concerned that technical hurdles and planning language will prevent residents from responding.
A HELP guide has been prepared to assist Backwell residents, and you may find it convenient to print a copy to have by your side as you navigate the screen. It is important that you make your views known. The guide can be found here Local Plan 2039 Help Sheet December 2023
10th December 2023
Save Our Village – a leaflet explaining the impact of the North Somerset Council Draft Local Plan 2039 for Backwell as a village was distributed to all households at the beginning of December and can be found here – Village Leaflet December 23
28th November 2023
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
The public consultation on this draft was launched yesterday and will run until 22nd of January 2024. The key element for Backwell is the inclusion of 515 houses on the Grove Farm and Burnt House Farm sites.
The Plan may be viewed on North Somerset Local Plan 2039: Pre-submission Plan (Reg 19) – North Somerset Council Consultations (inconsult.uk)
- The NORTH SOMERSET LOCAL PLAN 2039 has 300 pages
- The POLICIES MAP can be “zoomed in “using + in the top left corner, to show the many new houses allocated to Backwell and Nailsea
- The SHORT GUIDE has 10 pages and is “A plain English summary of the proposed local plan, its contents and what happens next”
- HOW TO RESPOND TO THE LOCAL PLAN 2039 has 7 pages
Backwell Residents Association, Backwell Parish Council and Backwell Resistance have combined their efforts to oppose the Plan, and will summarise key points for residents in mid-December, including the system for making comments.
14th November 2023
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
We understand that the public consultation on this is likely to take place from 27 of November to 22 of January 2024
The draft plan will be available for comment from the start of the consultation, and will contain many pages of detail. There will be much of relevance to Backwell, with the proposal for 515 houses on the Grove Farm and Burnt House Farm site being the most significant. BRA, Backwell Parish Council and Backwell Resistance have raised awareness of this via the “Save our Village” campaign. Further information on key points will be sent to members soon after the consultation goes live.
7th November 2023
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
A final version of the draft of this extensive document for consultation is expected around the end of November / early December. It will influence future developments in Backwell for at least the next decade and many topics will be covered, including the proposal for 515 houses on the Grove Farm and Burnt House Farm site, which is widely opposed. A campaign has started under the “Save our Village” heading. BRA, Backwell Parish Council (BPC) and Backwell Resistance (BR) are working together to:
- raise awareness of the importance of this forthcoming consultation
- assemble the best case to oppose this development, by using outside consultants whose input could be crucial
We will let members know as soon as the consultation document is posted on the NSC website, when there will follow a 6-week consultation period.
28th October 2023
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
Members will no doubt be aware of “Save our Village” signs that have been appearing in Backwell during the last week or so. This is the start of a campaign to oppose the inclusion of 515 houses at Grove Farm in the North Somerset Local Plan (LP). Three Backwell organisations have joined together in this campaign:
- Backwell Parish Council (BPC)
- Backwell Residents Association (BRA)
- Backwell Resistance (BR)
The campaign has been publicised through social media, mainly by BR via Facebook. BRA members receive email communications and the recent press release is attached for those not on Facebook
The final LP version for consultation has not yet been released by North Somerset Council (NSC), although the NSC Executive voted to approve the draft LP on Wed 18 October. We will let members know as soon as it is posted on the NSC website, when there will follow a 6-week consultation period.
Once the consultation has opened, we will urge members to make their comments to NSC, and suggest important points you might like to make. Numbers of objections are important, as well as the relevance of the points made.
22nd October 2023
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
At the meeting of the Executive Committee of North Somerset Council (NSC) on 18th of October, the draft Local Plan (2039) was confirmed for moving to the consultation stage. Once the consultation document is available, we will let members know, and provide all necessary information. BRA is working closely with Backwell Parish Council (BPC) and Backwell Resistance (BR), as these 3 organisations share the common objection to the inclusion of 515 houses on Grove Farm in the Local Plan.
11th October 2023
North Somerset Local Plan (LP) 2024 – 2039
Following consultation on an earlier draft Local Plan, North Somerset Council (NSC), has prepared a new draft which will be presented to the Executive Committee of NSC on Wednesday 18 of October, followed by a further consultation.
What does this Draft Local Plan propose relevant to Backwell ?
A. The new Plan is now to be Local Plan 2039 (LP 2039).
B. Total new housing allocation in North Somerset is reduced from 20,880 to 14,995.
C. 3 large areas of Green Belt housing development have been deleted. This includes land “East of Backwell”, which had 500 houses proposed.
D. Growth in both Nailsea and Backwell has been reduced, principally because of the cost and technical difficulty of constructing a new road across the railway. The land that Gleeson proposed by the Lake, has not been included for development, nor the field below the recycling centre.
E. However, the Grove Farm site (515 houses) is retained in LP 2039. This makes a total of 700 houses for Backwell, after adding the already agreed Farleigh Fields and Rodney Road developments. This is an increase of 35% on the current number of houses in Backwell.
Grove Farm development was the subject of a drop-in meeting at the WI Hall on 13th of September.
A planning application has NOT been made yet, but TW has stated that one will be made before the end of the year. BRA objects to this proposal. The size of the development in relation to that of the current village, and the highways implications of a single access onto the A370 are two key issues.
F. The allocation for Affordable housing (on any large site) is reduced from 40% to 35%.
The new draft LP can be viewed on:
This link takes you to the agenda for the NSC meeting on 18th of October and supporting documents including the following:
There are 3 reports relevant to LP 2039
This is a 276-page document, with the detail of LP 2039, together with planning policies and strategies etc.
This is a 10-page report, which includes a summary of the Plan.
This is a one-page map showing the green Belt area, with housing developments in red.
What is the Status of the Current Draft?
This new draft of the LP will be presented to the council’s Executive Committee on 18 October 2023. It is known as the pre-submission plan and is not likely to have any alterations at this meeting. It then becomes the Consultation Draft, which will allow for public comment from 18th of October to 22nd of November.
How important is the LP?
Extremely important, as it will be the backcloth for planning decisions over the next decade or more. The probability of a planning application being accepted is far greater if the development is included in the LP.
Timescale
Consultation on this new draft is open until 22nd November, (this seems a short consultation period for such a complex and important report).
BRA is active on three main fronts:
- We are employing our main planning consultant, and will consider further technical help on key issues
- We are embarking on a publicity campaign in the village to encourage residents to make a comment
- We keep in touch with Backwell Parish Council and Backwell Resistance, and also Councils at Brockley and Nailsea.
BRA will be issuing guidelines shortly on points which members may like to consider in their submission.
After consideration of comments, NSC will submit a final version of the plan to the Secretary of State for an independent examination. If the Plan is deemed to be “sound” after this examination, it will become the final North Somerset Local Plan (LP 2039) in late 2024.
Comparison between the latest draft and our existing Neighbourhood Plan
It is worth reflecting on the Backwell Neighbourhood Plan 2014 – 26, which was prepared by a Steering Group of Backwell Parish Council, containing representatives from across Backwell, with close contact with NSC. The plan contained modest housing developments, all of which BRA supported and have happened. 96% of votes cast by residents were in favour.
In contrast, Backwell has been the target of a seemingly endless series of unwelcome developments, including this inappropriate one at Grove Farm, which could well turn our village into a town and destroy its character and overload the infrastructure. BRA will object to this new draft of LP 2039.
What can residents do?
Details of how to comment will be available after the 18th of October meeting.