NAILSEA
PEOPLE
Property peeps
HENSONS the estate agents sponsor the Nailsea People property page.
With more than 80 networked offices in the south west and London the Nailsea office is at Ivy Court, 61 High Street, Nailsea, Bristol, BS48 1AW
Telephone: 01275 810030
Email: info@hbe.co.uk
See every property at: www.hbe.co.uk
ESTATE AGENTS, SURVEYORS, VALUERS, AUCTIONEERS, PROBATE SPECIALISTS, RESIDENTIAL LETTING & MANAGEMENT, COMMERCIAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS, LAND NEW HOMES.
MORE THAN 112 YEARS IN PROPERTY - Est 1909
2021
PARKING PROBLEMS: Graham Nix took this photo of the roads leading to the Netherton Grange construction site mid-morning on Thursday, December 16, showing cars parked on the pavements. He said: "The lorry in front became stationary blocking the road as it couldn’t get onto the site. Vans parked opposite the entrance in the stable entrance. Chaos." And he asked: "Are they going to maintain pedestrian and cycle access during these closures? Does anyone know? These routes are incredibly well used to access the moors and for cycle commuting. I hope so. Could we add cleaning the roads to the list of complaints and if you dig up the roads put them back as a smooth surface not as they have left the first trench with ridges."
Going up High Street roofline
The changing face of Nailsea town centre could see a three-storey building plonk in the middle of the street scene soon.
The upstairs of the former Nailsea Members Club once home to the town’s only nightclub which closed in 2015 has planning permission for an extra storey.
The building with its row of shops on the ground floor sold this summer ahead of auction for a guide price of £375,000 .
Now planning permission has been granted to convert the premises into seven one-bed flats in a project property agents Hollis Morgan had estimated could be worth £1.4m.
Three Magnets Planning said it was effectively reviving plans approved in 2017 that had since lapsed.
The car-free scheme was approved by North Somerset Council to help meet its housing shortfall.
Planning officers said: “While the loss of the night club has the potential to impact upon Nailsea’s night time economy, it is understood that the unit has stood empty for some time and it is reasonable to assume that those who used to visit the premises will have naturally dispersed elsewhere.
“The proposal would contribute to the town’s housing stock by providing smaller and more affordable residential units suitable for first time buyers and those needing to downsize.
“The proposal would reuse an existing building within the town of Nailsea to create seven small and affordable dwellings.
"Any harm resulting from the proposal would not significantly outweigh the benefits of the scheme.”
INVESTMENT CENTRE: Edge of Somerset Square and Colliers Walk with Nailsea library in foreground
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Nailsea People are told another planning application to North Somerset Council by Praxis the owners of Crown Glass Shopping Centre for a £2 million upgrade is imminent. We were told this way back in the summer but word on the street and reported in Bristol Post here https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/local-news/somerset-high-street-looking-rebound-6291649 is it is back in play. We know the centre owners along with the firm, headed by Wraxall businessman Paul O’Brien, are talking to Nailsea Town Council and North Somerset Council who own the library and there is current concern about vandalism in the old health/education centre. Nailsea Town Council has as an agenda item for anti-sociial behaviour on Wednesday, December 15. Read more HERE.
Record number seeking new homes in Nailsea
Taylor Wimpey has had a record nearly 1,000 people register interest in its development at Netherton Grange, Nailsea.
Sales executive Donna Jarman said: “This is the biggest pre-release number of potential buyers ever.
“We have had more than 900 inquires already which is amazing.”
Donna admitted they have had so many online inquiries they haven’t been able get back to everyone yet.
Nailsea Town Council chairman Mike Bird said: “I think that is a lot of enquires but this is because it is the first housing estate to be built in Nailsea since the 1980-90s when The Elms was completed.
“With first time buyers qualifying for government incentives on brand new homes that has obviously heightened interest.
“For young people and those living in rented accommodation this gives them a lift onto the housing market which hasn’t been accessible to them before.”
The developers intend to official launch on Saturday, December 18, when the showroom will be opened.
Then the first phase of three and four-bed homes will be released.
The guide price for three-bed homes is £365-410,000 and four-bed homes £480-600,000 depending on house style.
Donna added: “The builders are working their socks off to get everything ready for the launch and I hope to be based on site from Monday, December 13.”
Mike added: "The town council asked to be told when the launch would be but we haven't heard anything I expect they want to get ahead of Barratt Homes at Engine Lane where the footings are just going in."
The development initially received planning approval in March 2021 for up to 168 new homes on the green fields off Youngwood Lane.
The application includes the provision of 30 per cent affordable homes.
The infrastructure roads for the wider development and a safeguarded route for a potential future link road are included.
The housing estate is accessed from a new through route from St Mary’s Grove.
It is a mixed development of one-bedroom apartments up to five-bedroom family homes, with parking and public open space.
The proposals form part of the first phase of a development which received outline planning permission in November 2019 for 450 homes.
The remaining 282 homes will be sought for planning consent at a later date and Taylor Wimpey is about to release an updated site plan.
Currently the government is offering help exclusively on new-build homes worth up to £360,000 in the south west.
To qualify for Help to Buy homebuyers must contribute 80 per cent of the home’s price, for example, with a minimum five per cent deposit and up to 75 per cent mortgage.:
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You need a five per cent deposit for your new home.
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The Government provides a ‘Help to Buy Equity Loan' for up to 20 per cent of the value of the property.
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This equity loan is interest free for five years and can be repaid at any time within 25 years or on the sale of your home.
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You then need to secure up to a 75 per cent mortgage.
Please note this is all subject to eligibility, terms and conditions.
PHOTOS: The images of The Ashenford and The Trusdale with its distinctive black timber cladding are two types of homes being built at Netherton Grange
- to see more you can download a pdf HERE
First images of how Barratt Homes new development at Engine Lane will look
Barratt Homes has released some images of the properties it is building at Parish Brook, off Engine Lane.
The first phase of this development of 171 one, two, three and four bed homes on the edge of Nailsea will be on the market next summer.
But the big question is how much as no prices have been released yet.
Barratt Homes boasts the site has great transport links and is on the edge of the North Somerset countryside but only six minutes by car from the nearest supermarkets and high street shops.
It says residents can also enjoy brand new cycle paths and two new play areas on the development.
And at least 10 selected homes will be available for first-time buyers who have lived or worked in the area.
Not all the houses are ‘for sale’ as 38 homes will be to rent and six for shared ownership (deemed as affordable housing) on specific plots mark on the site map.
Of the ‘essentials on your doorstep’ is says the town centre has a range of shops, Post Office and high street bank.
And it says Nailsea has a range of highly-rated bars and restaurants in the centre including Nailsea MicroPub and Coates House.
But the well-established Bakers the Butchers is listed as Barkers!
Bizarrely Harvey Nichols in Bristol and Clevedon Pier are listed as selling points but not bus stops and the best way to access roads out of the town which are currently all B-roads unless taking the train!
The timber framed properties are being built on land Nailsea Town Council once owned and earmarked as ‘recreational’ and there was much debate and delay getting the go-ahead.
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New developments in North Somerset will be required to provide electric vehicle (EV) charging provision. The changes are being introduced after a new planning document was adopted at a full council meeting on Tuesday, November 9. The Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets outs the council's requirements for vehicle and cycle parking at new developments and has been comprehensively reviewed in light of the Climate Emergency and the council's ambition to be carbon neutral by 2030. Most importantly, all new residential developments will now be required to install suitable cabling and supporting infrastructure to enable the easy installation of domestic EV charge points. Non-residential developments will also need to provide a number of charging points. This will future-proof developments and help support the up-take of electric vehicles in North Somerset.
HOW GREEN IS YOUR VALLEY: Ashley Cartman is the North Somerset Lib Dem ward councillor for Long Ashton. He is also a parish councillor for Long Ashton and Leigh Woods and stood against unsuccessfully Conservative MP Liam Fox in the 2019 general election. In May this year he predicted 6,000 homes could be build in the Green Belt with 5,000 close to Wraxall, Long Ashton and Failand. Read more here: https://www.ashleycartman.org.uk/north-somerset-council-local-plan-update-still-5-000-houses-planned-for-the-green-belt
Two Nailsea cottages on market
Hayden Cottage
This mid-terraced three-storey cottage is steeped in history with an abundance of modern innovations blending the best of the old and new.
Dating back to the 1790s the newly renovated property has 3-beds, sitting and dining rooms plus a large add-on kitchen with separate utility, downstairs loo and a walk-in PANTRY - wow!
Through the bifold doors to a private, professionally landscaped garden with suntrap patio - what's not to like?
Viewing is strictly by appointment with Hensons and the cottage is on the market for offers in the region of £435,000.
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Call 01275 810030, pop into the High Street office or for full brochure go to http://www.hbe.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/11072752-silver-street-nailsea
Mendip View
For those with a cool one million pounds to spend take a look at this marvellous home in the country.
Dating back to the 17th century with newer parts this very special 'cottage' is on the market for the first time in four decades.
Located In the exclusive West End hamlet, Mendip View boasts large reception hall, separate drawing, sitting and dining rooms, massive kitchen, 4 beds, 3 bathrooms and there is even a hobbies room next to the garage!
The main bedroom has a balcony with overlooks the lovely garden and as you would expect in a property of this magnitude there is an outside pool.
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Call 01275 810030, pop into the High Street office or for full brochure go to http://www.hbe.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/10954328-west-end-nailsea
Funding house building
North Somerset Council economy team in its weekly update of industry and general business news includes details of grants, funded programmes, events and opportunities.
This is circulated by Matt Hanely, company director of Nailsea-based One2One Design Group, for Nailsea Chamber of Trade.
Among the snippets is this:
Home Building Fund - Extension of Fund Availability
Businesses that are building homes for sale or rent, or preparing land for homes, can continue to access loans to cover development or infrastructure costs as the scheme is extended by two years.
The Home Building Fund is a flexible source of funding administered by Homes England on behalf of the Government. It provides two types of finance, which can be tailored to circumstances.
Development loans
These are for meeting the development costs of building homes for sale or rent. They can be taken out over five years and drawn down to 31 March 2025 (extended by two years from an original draw down date of Mach 2023).
Infrastructure loans
These are to prepare sites for the infrastructure needed for housing to progress and land to be prepared. They can be taken out over 20 years. Infrastructure projects must ultimately lead to the development of new housing.
According to the Government, loan funding of at least £624 million will now be available for house builders to improve the infrastructure needed to kick-start new housing projects, with a particular focus on transforming unsightly and derelict brownfield sites.
Loans of £250,000 to £250 million are available with smaller loans considered for innovative housing solutions and serviced plots for custom builders.
Loans can be tailored to individual circumstances and eligible costs will be discussed with each applicant and depend on the type of funding requested.
Applications are being accepted from private sector businesses that build new homes or prepare sites for housing development. Small builders, community builders, custom builders and innovative housing developers businesses in England are eligible.
To read full document download HERE.
Further information from economic development officer Josyanne Clarke
Josyanne.Clarke@n-somerset.gov.uk
Economic Development Officer
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There is more about funds available in a report by Nailsea town councillor James Steel about the community engagement committee on our Political Peeps page HERE
ONLINE PETITION: Neighbours of this Backwell school are opposed to building here. They say 'This is the social hub of Backwell Village and building in this specific location would negatively impact almost everyone in our village and particularly some of our most vulnerable, our children'. To support their campaign sign the petition here https://www.change.org/p/north-somerset-council-reject-planning-for-65-houses-behind-west-leigh-school-in-backwell
Fears about stategic gap
Nailsea People asked on its Facebook page is anyone knew why highway engineers are taking measurements in the fields between Backwell lake and the railway?
We had a rum lot of answers, here are some of them:
Ian Harvey said: “Motorway link road.”
Derek Iles said: “Probably squeeze another 200 or so houses in there.”
Sarah Goulty said: “Access to all the new housing that's going in?”
Sarah Maskew said: “No doubt for a road or more houses.”
Bryan Sheppard said: “New runway for the airport, expansion going ahead!”
Michael Porter said: “They are doing this everywhere at the moment, in Yatton last week.”
Bryan Sheppard said: “100 per cent the airport, going to get a lot bigger.”
Shawn Holland said: “Access road to the station that links to the A370, avoiding Station Road. Itis referenced in the North Somerset Council Joint Local Transport Plan.”
Helen Shalders asked Shawn Holland: “Was the JLTP formally adopted?
“If so, it's escaped my notice (entirely possible but kinda annoyed if it was).”
Shawn Holland replied: “I think it was rejected, but i believe at the time NSC said that the road was needed to support the additional housing for Nailsea and Backwell.”
Jon Stubley said: “And to make county lines access much easier from the Bristol direction.”
Beth Connock said: “I went to a meeting a couple of years ago and there was talk of the taking a road from J20 on the M5 right through over Backwell lake right down to Flax Bourton.”
For those not in the know that was when planners talked of a road on stilts over the lake!
Chris Callaghan said: “They’re not highway engineers, just have Highway Maintenance on the van so they can work on roads.
“Looks like they are drilling boreholes for geotechnical investigations… can’t say why though.”Nailsea People were told by neighbours that the workmen are from the Highways Agency.
Betsy Bebbington said: “Network Rail is currently undertaking surveys on land adjacent to tracks for identifying areas that may be susceptible to flooding in the future.”
Jeremy Blatchford replied to Betsy Bebbington: “They built the railway on an embankment due to flood plain.”
Betsy Bebbington replied to Jeremy Blatchford : “I’m an Network Rail neighbour, they are surveying to try to anticipate new issues. They will be only here for one day, with occasional measurements.”
Jeremy Blatchford concluded: “That is incredibly encouraging.
“Someone is thinking ahead and doing something about it.”
The Uplands row
Nailsea Town Council is so annoyed that North Somerset Council gave itself planning permission for houses on ‘recreational’ space at The Uplands it has submitted a formal complaint citing financial gains for the land grab.
The town council has written to both North Somerset Council chief executive Jo Walker and North Somerset MP Liam Fox saying how the appropriation of the land is ‘fundamentally flawed’.
North Somerset Council granted itself planning permission for 52 eco homes on greenfield
The authority approved its own 'exemplar' proposals in February but whas been challenged ever since on the decison.
In the Nailsea Town Council letter sent in mid-October and shared with the media it says:
‘It’s important to stress that, this is not about the planning application. This is about integrity and the NSC appropriation decision document itself.
The appropriation decision document hinges on two statements, that:
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‘The land is no longer required for the purpose for which it is currently held’ that is public open space; and
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The ’land is no longer required for a particular purpose, meaning no longer needed in the public interest of the locality for that purpose’ again public open space.
It is the town council’s belief that both of these statements are unsubstantiated and incorrect.
The decision document states that it is not a key decision, based on ‘the decision will not result in expenditure or savings of more than £500,000’.
This is not fact or substantiated and cannot be guaranteed with the rise in building material costs, plus the estimated NSC return on the development of between £1.5 - £2.5 million.
Therefore, this IS a key decision.
The decision document (P14) it states that public open space does not have a formal planning designation. If so, why do we need a formal appropriation document? It is also noted that the word ‘public’ has been removed from all other references in the documents.
NSC has had 410 objection letters from residents but dismisses these as just 2.6 per cent of the population of Nailsea. Nationally, any written public response to an issue would be considered to represent a 10 per cent response, therefore the real percentage is 26 per cent of Nailsea residents.
It should also be remembered that these 410 letters were written without NSC being proactive or having any sort of consultation with the residents to gain their opinions about the loss of the public open space.
A rough estimate puts about 400-500 houses within 0.5 miles of the Uplands site, that is practically an objection from all household based on the 410 figures.
The decision document talks of the pre-application consultations.
The appropriation of public open space wasn’t mentioned in these consultations.
The appropriation seemed to be seen by the council as a fait accompli – when in fact the appropriation was a much bigger issue than was understood or admitted to.
It is required by the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) and NPPG (National Planning Practice Guidance), that a robust public open space assessment must be done BEFORE inclusion in the SAP (Site Allocations Plan) and BEFORE any planning application be submitted.
That was obviously not done and should have been done even before allocation into the SAP.
This adds weight to the fact that NSC should not be talking about the need for housing, five-year plans, or the SAP as a reason to appropriate this public open space.
Even NSC’s own website states ‘an open space assessment is required for
major developments…’. In emphasis it also states ‘please note permission will not usually be given to develop an existing open space unless you can show that the space is no longer needed or is more than current requirements’ - neither has been shown.
To reiterate, this is about the integrity of this decision document, especially the untrue statements highlighted.
The decision document states that ‘there is no requirement for the land to fall into disuse as open space prior to appropriation for another purpose’.
This is completely contradicted by the statements in the decision document that state that the council need to prove ‘the purpose of open space/recreation is no longer required’ and it is ‘no longer required for the purpose for which it is currently held’, and this was reinforced by the chair of the scrutiny panel and its members.
The decision document also states that, ‘nor is there a legal requirement for a formal open space assessment’. That’s completely contrary to the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) and NPPG (National Planning Practice Guidance).
The Green Book analysis that the scrutiny panel consulted covers a range of metrics that should be weighed and balance of proof provided, this clearly has not been done and/or ignored.
The update document simply dismisses the Green Book analysis asked for by the scrutiny panel on purely the developments financial situation (nothing to do with the public open space), stating doing a Green Book analysis ‘would suggest financial motivations as the driving factor, which is not true’.
Consider this statement on its own.
This development is not a public building or a statutory facility like a school being built on public open space. This is a commercial residential housing development. Which means this is about profit and therefore there is financial motivation.
NSC own the public open space, they are the developer, the client, the planning authority and appropriator of the public open space and they will be commercially selling residential housing on the site for financial profit.
It is Nailsea Town Council’s view that there is a great deal of financial motivation here, not to mention a huge (very public) conflict of interest.
How can a decision be justified by statements that are clearly untrue, untested and unsubstantiated? Due process has not been done or adhered to. These decision documents simply do not stand up to scrutiny and are therefore flawed.
Nailsea Town Council would like you to formally acknowledge this letter of complaint in line with NSC’s complaints process.
And the formal complaint ended: ‘The town council is now considering our options for further action about the appropriation of The Uplands’.
COUNTRY LANES: We had a wander out to Netherton Grange at the weekend to see how the Taylor Wimpey development was progressing. On its website the builders say new one, two, three, four and five bedroom homes coming soon to Nailsea. No prices and no date of when the first homes go on sale .We just noted how close to the lane they first houses are and close to one another
Backwell housing online consultation
Developers are targeting smaller pockets of land in the village of Backwell having turned for the time being their attention away from the bigger prize of building on Farleigh Fields.
The latest attempt was refused in September by North Somerset Council.
This was by Persimmon Homes for 125 houses on the farmland.
The latest controversial proposal is for 65 houses on a patch between West Leigh Infant School behind Backwell Scout Hut on Rodney Road.
Taylor Wimpey is looking at the 2.3-hectare site it describes as ‘irregularly shaped, unmanaged pasture field’.
Backwell Residents Association reports in its October bulletin the proposal has already attracted 363 objections with only three in support.
Meanwhile meadows next to Nailsea & Backwell railway station are gradually being filled with homes.
Taylor Wimpey has built 65 executive homes at Coppice Place, Moor Lane, which are ‘interesting’ as the houses have very little front garden which we are told is the ‘norm’ these days.
Now Octavia Homes has announced an online public consultation about its proposed development on four acres on the Backwell side of the station.
The scheme is for 50 two- and three-bedroom dwellings next to Coppice Place.
It is outside the settlement boundary - a line drawn on a plan around a village, which reflects its built form, this is also known historically as a 'village envelope'..
Octavia Homes said in a statement: ‘Backwell is an exceptional location, with a wide range of amenities, schools and vitally sustainable transport routes. The project will be built at high density to minimise the impact on the countryside and sustainably, including renewable energy technology’.
Octavia Homes director Matt Regan said “As a family man I share many parent’s concerns that when our children decide to settle down, they will be forced to move into properties outside of the areas they grew up in.
“Of course, this is not a new problem, the under delivery of housing in this country is at crisis point and we are delighted to be able to unlock new homes for those in the greatest need.”Backswell Resident Association told its readers ‘while these ideas will be attractive to many, there are some significant disadvantages with the proposals, including over-development of the site, and the potential for traffic congestion onto the already over-loaded Station Road’.
The consultation is open until Monday, October 25, to have your say go to:
Nailsea win, win from new homes
Developers are required to pay a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to North Somerset Council to help fund the cost of infrastructure such as schools and transport improvements.
This is shared with town and parish councils every six months.
In the latest round of payments more than £266,000 has been distributed to 14 councils with Nailsea Town Council the main beneficiary receiving just over £183,000.
Fifteen per cent of the money is passed by North Somerset to the town or parish council where the development takes place, giving them direct control over how the money is spent in their local communities.
This increases to 25 per cent if the town or parish has an adopted neighbourhood plan.
The rest is retained by North Somerset Council to spend on infrastructure to support housing development.
Payments are made to town and parish councils every six months.
The other councils to benefit are:
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Abbots Leigh - £770.35
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Backwell - £4,767.79
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Banwell - £2,510.42
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Bleadon - £2,386.86
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Clevedon - £1,258.04
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Flax Bourton - £2,862.17
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Kingston Seymour - £210.84
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Locking - £2,571.15
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Long Ashton - £18,659.16
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Portishead - £3,165.13
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Weston-super-Mare - £36,636.71
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Wraxall and Failand - £2,556.71
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Wrington - £4,685.64.
These latest payments bring the total amount passed to town and parish councils since the introduction of CIL in 2018 to more than £700,000.
North Somerset Council executive member for placemaking and economy Mark Canniford is the Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Weston-super-Mare Hillside
He said: "Town and parish councils have the flexibility to use the money to best meet the needs of their local communities and provide new infrastructure for the benefit of their residents.".
In North Somerset the CIL applies primarily to retail and residential developments and the rates vary according to the size, location and type of development.
There are exceptions for affordable housing and properties being built for the owner’s own use (for example house extensions) as well as for charitable projects.
There is no charge on employment or community buildings.
Further guidance on the CIL, including annual reports on the total amount of CIL received and how North Somerset Council spends its share, can be found on the council's website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/cil.
Drawing by Wotton Donoghue Architects, Clifton
Change is coming to Nailsea town centre
Something is stirring in Nailsea town centre.
Tower House Medical Centre has applied to North Somerset Council to re-vamp its building facing the Stockway South car park.
As part of Tyntesfield Medical Group which caters for 31,600 patients from Backwell, Long Ashton and Nailsea previous plans to sell Brockway Medical Centre and move lock stock and barrel to Tower House were thwarted by the pandemic.
This planning application is for:
‘removal of existing single storey projecting oriel window at ground floor, erection of a single-storey glazed extension to form new entrance lobby, proposed new steps and DDA-compliant ramp up to new entrance lobby and associated hard and soft landscaping. Internal reconfiguration of existing accommodation to create 8no. new consultation rooms, creation of climate-controlled archive store in basement / car parking area’.
You can read full details HERE.
It says in is design and access statement prepared by architects Wotton Donoghue ‘the key principles of the proposal are to enhance the patient and staff experience of the existing centre, improve the efficiency of the internal layout, as well as safeguarding against spread of disease.
Adding:
•The proposed external changes are minimal relative to the scale of the site. The new glazed entrance extension will be more welcoming than the current entrance, which is visually tucked away.
• New pedestrian access up to the proposed entrance will be required as both steps and a ramp to ensure inclusive ease of access.
• The ‘sensory garden’ is a holistic intervention to help offset the clinical nature of a medical centre. Plants and flowers with different colours, shapes, smells and textures will be chosen to create a calming setting for visitors.
• Decanting the medical archives from the second floor to a new, climate-controlled enclosure in the basement will free up muchneeded administration space, and provide better preservation of the documents.
• EV Charging points will encourage and facilitate staff members to drive electrical vehicles.
• Reconfiguration of the Somerset Room will allow for a more efficient use of space following the changes in approach to healthcare since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nailsea People has no start date if planning permission is given and no costings at this stage.
Earlier this year it was announced that the redundant Weston College building at Somerset Square could be transformed into apartments and the library relocated as part of ambitious plans for the town centre.
From bank to books?
One rumour currently circulating is the library will be moving into the old NatWest retail unit.
The iconic building with its chain drains is like marmite - we love it.
Developments Bristol headed by Wraxall businessman Paul O’Brien said in January 2021 the timescale for change was early 2022.
The company is behind the transformed the former Royal Oak Garage into 10 homes, offices and a retail unit and converted Court House in the High Street from offices into apartments.
It has also redeveloped the former Waverley House offices in Clevedon into 17 flats and is currently working on a project to build new homes at Slade Road in Portishead.
Six years ago, the college secured now lapsed planning permission to turn the site into flats, but nothing came of the plan which had been opposed by the then owners of Crown Glass Shopping Centre who didn't want homes on the ground floor.
Which is the best address in town?
Hensons estate agents is selling this charming new build at Bucklands Grove, Nailsea.
On the market for £595,000 freehold this detached house near Backwell Lake boasts some of the best views for miles.
The property has an open plan kitchen/diner, bi-folding doors from living room to garden, main bedroom with Juliet balcony and en suite shower room with a further family bathroom and two additional bedrooms.
High quality fittings and fixtures have been installed throughout.
And the local builder also has credentials for high standards.
Outside is a private driveway, double garage and landscaped garden.
To download full details, click HERE or contact the High Street office on 01275 810030.
Another desirable address is Tower House Lane, Wraxall.
Hensons is marketing this detached country house with an upper price guide of a cool £2 million.
Hidden from view this rural retreat is just half a mile from Nailsea.
Built in the 1930s and enlarged and remodelled in the 1970s this has been the family home of the current owners for some three decades.
With formal dining and drawing rooms on different levels, there is also kitchen with Aga and breakfast space in the additional family room.
The principal bedroom has en suite bathroom and balcony with four further bedrooms, two more bathrooms, study and boot room.
To download full details, click HERE or contact the High Street office on 01275 810030.
Planners refuse 4th attempt to build on Backwell farmland
Controversial plans to build dozens of homes on green fields in Backwell have been thrown out by planners - again.
Developers have been trying for years to build homes on Farleigh Fields in the village, with each application being rejected by planners.
Persimmon Homes submitted an outline planning application to North Somerset Council to build 125 homes at Farleigh Fields earlier this year.
The scheme would have seen the homes built on the north east of the site on the lower slopes, with a new junction to the site installed on the A370 Farleigh Road.
The plan also included new green spaces and pedestrian links to the wider footpath network and traffic calming measures on the A370.
But council planners have once again refused the scheme.
The news that Farleigh Fields - a much loved green space in the village - has been saved has been welcomed by residents and campaigners who have fought off previous development attempts in the past.
Developer Charles Church Severn Valley - part of Persimmon Homes - previously put in plans to build 200 homes on Farleigh Fields.
But this was thrown out by a Government inspector in 2018 following a public inquiry.
The inquiry came after North Somerset Council refused the plans, prompting developers to appeal.
An inspector upheld the appeal and the matter then referred to the Secretary of State.
At the time, the parish council, supported by the residents association, paid for a specialist planning lawyer to speak at the inquiry.
More than 400 letters of objection were received against the scheme and more than 20 villagers spoke at the inquiry.
In 1984 CH Beezer Homes also put forward plans for 250 homes on the eastern part of the site.
But this was refused by the then Woodspring District Council who said the development would have an adverse effect on Backwell.
The developers appealed and lost and the matter was then referred to the Secretary of State who ruled the agricultural potential of the site should be protected.
Developers also put forward plans to build 150 homes on the site in 2000, but these too were thrown out.
Part of Farleigh Fields was included in North Somerset Council’s sites and policies document which says the land should remain as local green space.
However the authority is currently formulating its new local plan, setting out how the district should develop in the coming decade.
Any development of Farleigh Fields is also against the Backwell Neighbourhood Plan.
The news has been welcomed by campaign group Backwell Resistance - set up to fight inappropriate developments in the village.
Spokesman Lorraine Hopkinson-Parker said: "There is much relief and delight that North Somerset Council have refused the developer Persimmon permission to build 125 houses on Farleigh Fields.
"However, it is frankly appalling that despite it being not quite three years
ago that this planning application was thrown out by the highest authority inthe land on these matters, the Secretary of State, that Persimmon came back yet again.
"Despite the financial, emotional and time, invested by Backwell village and villagers this developer sought to exploit a small window of opportunity while Backwell and North Somerset Council work on the new Local Plan, which will address the housing need and requirement.
"We are delighted that North Somerset Council has reached this correct decision and hope that Persimmon will finally accept this land is NOT deemed suitable for house building and do not return again."
Village resident Martin Powell said: "This is a relief to the local people and the obvious and sensible decision by North Somerset Council as there were so many issues that make this development unacceptable.
"It is time that Persimmon sat down with local people and had a proper discussion about Farleigh Fields, so that we are not facing these applications every few years.
"Housing is important but so is agricultural land and food supply. Backwell is a rural village, so not an appropriate place for a housing estate."
More and more green field sites across North Somerset are coming under threat from developers as North Somerset Council tries to meet its Government house building targets.
ACQUIRED PREMISES: Property developer Joseph O'Malley who is the director of 13 companies include Rokform Nailsea Ltd is behind the recent purchase at auction of upstairs at The Arcade. Mr O'Malley who hails from the Stoke area specialises in design some let's hope the half finished flat conversion gets finished soon...
Developers encircle Nailsea
Local democracy reporter Stephen Sumner has shared copy with the Bristol Post, Somerset Live and the North Somerset Times about ‘new’ moves by developers for the green fields off Clevedon Road, Nailsea.
These more detailed plans first surfaced in 2017 during a Green Belt review.
They are for up to 600 homes on a huge site to the northeast of the town in the green belt in Nailsea.
At the time Nailsea Town Council and local environments reluctantly supported the proposals in the hope of ‘saving’ massive house building off Youngwood Lane.
The development would run from Jacklands Lakes to Southfield Road trading estate.
Previous attempts going back to the 1980s were not successful but this latest project has ‘stayed on the table’.
We are told it is in multi- ownership and currently the National Grid is busy realigning the pylons which straddle the land.
It is difficult until a formal outline planning application is submitted to see if this is a serious attempt to undo our Green Belt - see map.
It has been reported that Nailsea Holdings is the consortium eyeing up 25 hectares of arable farmland on the northern edge of the town.
And that it has asked North Somerset Council to take a look at early proposals that also include two hectares of land for commercial, leisure or specialist housing to consider the environmental impact.
The authority confirmed that an environmental statement would be required.
Nailsea Holdings said in its request for a screening opinion: “Upon completion, the delivery of around 600 residential units and two hectares of land for commercial, leisure or specialist housing is likely to provide benefits in respect of local housing demand, job creation and increased spending in the area.
“The introduction of a new residential population may lead to some demand on nearby community facilities such as primary schools, healthcare facilities and secondary schools.
“However, it is considered that any effects that may require mitigation as a result of the proposed development and the increase in population would be secured by financial contributions through an appropriate mechanism (ie s106, CIL or equivalent).”
It said the potentially significant impact on the landscape would be considered in the environmental statement alongside the flood risk and the effect on ecology.
A previous scoping opinion request to the council in 2018 by Land Value Alliance - which says it focuses on “forming responsible alliances with landowners and all other stakeholders to create developments which add value to their communities” - was not followed by a planning application
A post on the firm’s website said it was pressing at political and strategic levels for the green belt that “constrains” Nailsea to be reviewed.
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Stephen Sumner is one of many local democracy reporter nationwide who are part of a BBC-funded scheme launched in 2017 to get journalists back into council chambers. The aim is to hold power to account. His main focuses are Bath and North East Somerset Council and North Somerset Council, but the role also encompasses NHS bodies and the police and fire authorities. Basically, anywhere your council tax is spent.
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Praxis the owners of Crown Glass Shopping Centre is having talks with Nailsea Town Council about building a four-storey block of flats on the old petrol station at Stockway South. It includes changing the road layout to the car park. An outline planning application yet to be submitted to North Somerset Council has planting and seating in the space outside of the medical centre and creating a pedestrian only section that runs from the medical centre to the precinct. It is also proposed that the one-way system for cars be converted to be an entrance and exit, but this will be reviewed by the Highways department before being confirmed. Presently the project is for 28 flats over four floors, with more focus on smaller units of 1-2 bedrooms.
Lots of new Nailsea homes for sale
Half an acre of scrubland on the edge of Nailsea with planning permission for six homes is on the market for an unspecified sum.
Once developed with three 3-bed, two 4-bed and one 5-bed houses a price tag of nearly £4 million has been put on the site.
On the southern boundary of Nailsea & Backwell rugby club with the recent removable of the pylons it looks like a desirable rural location.
An agent note on the details says ‘on Google Street the view shows electricity pylons and wires visible adjacent to the plot. These have been removed as part of the National Grid Hinkley Point Connection Project’.
To download details click HERE.
Viewing is by appointment with Robin King Estate Agents at 1 The Cross, Broad Street, Congresbury office, telephone 01934 876226 or email post@robin-king.com.
There have been rumours developers have made several approaches to the rugby club which is next door to the Barratt Homes housing estate on land previously part owned by Nailsea Town Council.
With work started on the Taylor Wimpey site at Netherton Grange and surveyors spotted in the 'strategic gap' fields bordering Nailsea Patio Centre there is hardly a green field surrounding Nailsea that hasn't been eyed by house builders.
Although The Uplands site owned by the district council which gave itself permission to build has been 'challenged' amid claims it breached rules.
North Somerset is tasked with identifying land to build more than 2,000 dwellings annually up to 2025 to conform to government five-year housing supply.
In April 2020 it admitted to a shortfall.
Nailsea Action Group continues to be busy in upholding its main aim to protect Nailsea’s rural setting especially at its boundaries with the countryside that surrounds it.
As many of these open spaces are attractive to housing developers, NAG remains alert to speculative planning applications that threaten them, says its latest summer newsletter.
Chief of these, and the cause of NAG’s formation in 2015, has been Barratt’s development of 171 dwellings off Engine Lane which is now likely to begin later this year as the contracts of sale were completed in June.
NAG resisted the proposal vigorously and for as long as possible, but this is not the only area under threat.
A question mark hangs over the decision to ignore the previous ‘recreational use’ designation on the land sold for millions of pounds and giving the town council its biggest bank balance ever.
On its purchase in 2008 the 'recreational use' wasn't given formal status which eventually led to former chairman Mary Ponsonby to resigned over promises not kept despite a costly plan for junior rugby commissioned.
WEST END: Land for sale on edge of Nailsea
Taylor Wimpey has started to prepare the land at Youngwood Lane to receive 450 houses in total in three phases over the next few years
NAG was strongly represented at the Inspector’s hearings which ultimately enabled planning approval.
Similarly, NAG has been supporting the group of residents in The Uplands who are trying to maintain the land behind their houses as public open space, which it has been for many decades.
Early in August 2021 North Somerset Council Scrutiny Panel voted unanimously to refer the council’s decision to appropriate the land for building back to the executive member who agreed it, for further consideration and assessment.
And despite applying and getting planning permission on the Engine Lane site NAG report that ‘Nailsea Town Council is incensed that a planning application that was initially refused to build 14 houses on The Perrings, has now been granted’.
NAG concludes: “The fact that, comparatively suddenly, a number of sites all close together are to be built on (some 687 houses in all), seems to have piqued the development industry’s interest in Nailsea as a likely prospect for the easy passage of planning applications.”
Georgian style home fit for King
This fabulous Georgian property is as rare as hen's teeth in Nailsea and appropriately was once home to the village dentist!
Stuart Burdge, of Hensons, believes this beautiful property is one of only a few in Nailsea left from that era.
He said: "The Ferns stands in Silver Street and was apparently for a considerable time in the late 19th and early 20th century the home of the village dentist and housed his surgery.
"This was long before Iqbal Fazal, of Smilesaver Dental Care, was practicing opposite and at about the same time as Dr White, of Whitesfield Road fame, had his surgery just a short distance away in Silver Street.
"Everyone will of course be aware of how rare Georgian houses are in Nailsea and this one has documented history dating it to 1830."
For more details go to the Hensons website here http://www.hbe.co.uk/properties-for-sale/property/5690218-silver-street-nailsea and download a brochure. Viewing by appointment only with the sole agents Hensons, telephone 01275 810030.
There is a house to rent...
Property landlords and those renting across North Somerset and Bristol can now take advantage of a new 'easy to read' guide that has been published by the Government.
Anyone renting out a property is required to provide tenants with the standard How To Rent booklet at the start of a new tenancy or if a tenancy is renewed.
Juliet Noble of Parker’s Estate Agents, based in Backwell, North Somerset, says it is a simple requirement but failing to comply can cause problems for landlords.
She said: “In the Past year there have been temporary changes to the way that people rent properties due to Covid-19 and these have made the situation more complex.
“A few weeks’ ago the Government published a new 'easy to read' version of the How To Rent booklet and, although it runs to 48 pages it is a great help for both landlords and renters to understand their obligations and the latest rules.
“The rental sector in Bristol is booming and there are also many people across North Somerset that are renting properties out. Anything that simplifies the rules and helps landlords understand their obligations is a help to them.
“The role of letting agents like ourselves is also covered off in the new guide so that all parties know exactly where they stand on all aspects of renting.”
Parker’s Estate Agents act for many landlords across the area, supporting them in finding and retaining tenants and meeting the myriad of changing regulations.
Juliet added: “Handing those renting an up-to-date copy of the booklet is a legal requirement and for the last few years the rules have stated that every time there is a renewal an updated version must be handed over.
"Falling foul of simple regulations can land a landlord in trouble if there is a future dispute.
"At the moment the rules still require the full booklet to be presented to tenants but the Easy To Read version is certainly more straight-forward and less time consuming to go through.”
Landlords can obtain a copy of the “easy to read” document from Parker’s Estate Agents by calling 01275 460396.
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The Government does not hold an archive of older How to Rent booklets on its website, but these can be accessed by NRLA members here.
BRING IN THE DIGGERS: In March this year Taylor Wimpy received planning approval for a residential development of up to 168 new homes on land off Netherton Wood Lane, Nailsea. The blurb on its website says ‘new 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom homes coming soon to Nailsea’.The application includes the provision of 30 per cent affordable homes, ensuring that local people are able to live and work in the local area. The Reserved Matters planning application is for the first phase but also includes infrastructure roads for the wider development and a safeguarded route for a potential future link road. The development, which is accessed from a new through route from St Mary’s Grove, gives us an opportunity to deliver a mixed development of homes, from one-bedroom apartments up to five-bedroom family homes, with parking and public open space. The proposals submitted to North Somerset Council reflect the comments received from pre-application discussions. The proposals form part of the first phase of a development which received outline planning permission in November 2019 for 450 homes. The remaining 282 homes will be sought for planning consent at a later date. All site photos top by Jenny Trapnell
BARRATT BUILD: Barratt Homes has released a site map of its Engine Lane development for prospective buyers. The site is currently called Parish Brook and will have 171 two, three and four-bed homes. Work is due to start this summer. Some of the properties will be sold/rented only to qualifying Nailsea residents. Barratt Homes currently has an advertising consent application to North Somerset Council planners for two large non illuminated 'coming soon' billboards and nine flags poles.at the entrance of the site. Read more HERE or scroll down for earlier reports
Plans for 2 homes
An application to convert a building in the heart of the Kingshill conservation area at Nailsea is with North Somerset Council planners.
Having said that the former media hub and restaurant is opposite an unslightly disused toilet block!
The property at 2 Kingshiill which had previously been marketed by Hensons for £350,000 is across the road from the Moorend Spout pub.
The applicationby Foresight PM is for the demolition of an existing garage/storage building, erection of a two-storey side extension, front balcony and change of use to two 2-bed dwellings.
To read full details click HERE
ONLINE AUCTION: It was once Nailsea Members' Club then Decades nightclub and now it is an empty shell. Hollis Morgan had hoped to sell the upstairs of the High Street property by online auction in June but postponed the auction to Wednesday, July 28, when it sold 'prior to auction' for its guide price of £375,000. It has lapsed planning permission to convert into six one-bed and three two-bed flats which would give the development an estimated value of £1.4M. To view a YouTube video of the inside of The Arcade building go here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx_zkL9uWHQ&t=21s
Planning permission for The Uplands challenged
UPDATE: A decision to turn over green fields in Nailsea for dozens of new ‘flat-pack homes’ has been confirmed by council chiefs. North Somerset Council agreed on plans to build 52 homes on land at The Uplands earlier this year, reports Heather Pickstock for the Bristol Evening Post on Tuesday, October 5. Read full story HERE
Local Democracy reporter Stephen Sumner writing in online for Bristol Live said that plans for 52 eco homes on greenfield land in Nailsea have been thrown into doubt after a challenge.
Residents claimed North Somerset Council had used 'misleading information or guesswork' when it assessed public open space south of the Uplands as surplus to requirements.
The authority approved its own 'exemplar' proposals in February but was this week forced to reconsider its decision to appropriate the land for the development.
Leading the call-in, councillor Mark Crosby said the value of a site used by the community for more than 40 years needed proper scrutiny.
Addressing scrutiny panel members on August 7, Uplands resident Angela Love claimed the decision had been based on “flawed process, misleading information or guesswork”, adding: “The council has not presented any credible evidence that the land is no longer required.
“An amazing amount of time, effort and resources, including the quite intimidating reference to legal advice, has been spent dismissing simply expressed but genuine concerns.
“It is clear that the motivation to develop the land south of the Uplands is financial and that every process leading up to and including the appropriation decision has been made to fit this predetermined aim.”
The council has the power to appropriate land it owns that is “no longer required for the purpose for which it is held”.
It is entitled to balance the loss against the impact on the community. Officers judged that there is enough open space nearby.
Cllr Steve Bridger, the executive member who signed off the decision, said: “I absolutely reject the notion that this is a financially motivated decision.
“It was not a decision I took lightly. I read every single comment.
“The council is the sole judge of whether or not the land is still required for the purpose of which it is held.
”Planning committee members were told in February that the Uplands land was owned by the council and its allocation for housing would help meet the shortfall in North Somerset.
The application was hailed for its green credentials but opponents said it was 'simply the wrong location'.
More than 190 people objected.
Engine Lane resident Antony Evans said this week: “The council states that it understands the unhappiness of those who have objected so strongly to the proposed development and is sympathetic to the reasons given for the retention of this land as open space.
“Yet, far from presenting truly compelling evidence for the case, the council seems to have to stretch a great number of points to suggest that it is surplus to requirements with an almost apologetic air of embarrassment and discomfort.
“Who says that it is no longer required as such anyway? Certainly not the 192 of 193 comments objecting strongly and in many cases very cogently, and the many more who signed a petition, and more still who use the area daily.”
Cllr Crosby said he was yet to be convinced that the proposed housing outweighed the site’s value as public open space.
He said: “Clearly this is not the only site within the district that we may have to consider appropriating in response to Government demands.
“When we do, we will need to be able to demonstrate to our communities that the evidence we put before them is assured and compelling and that the decisions we make are truly tested and balanced in their conclusions.”
Nailsea Town Council chairman Mike Bird said the decision had been justified by statements that are 'truly unclear, untested and unsubstantiated', and the council had not considered that 460 homes would be built next to the site.
He added: “North Somerset Council is the landowner, the developer, planning authority, and has the right to appropriate public open space.
“Without due process and proper scrutiny this could be seen as a real conflict of interest.
“This decision does not hold up to scrutiny.”
The panel upheld the call-in and said the social value of the site needs further consideration.
Nailsea not Watford Gap
The strategic gap between Nailsea and Backwell will not be breached by building 14 high quality homes at the top of The Perrings.
This was decided by North Somerset Council planning and regulatory committee on Wednesday night which was chaired by James Tonkin, the Independent ward councillor for Nailsea West End.
All Nailsea ward councillors spoke against the plans although Mr Tonkin had to stay neutral as he was in the chair..
You can listen to the full debate here:https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZszJ46JBQK8.
The meeting said Town Green status for the sloping open space further along the road was still under consideration.
Kristian Chambers commented on Nailsea People Facebook page.
He said: "Terrible decision regarding The Perrings houses being built.
"Views destroyed, the infrastructure battered, dangerous road layout getting in to the site.
"The strategric gap is there for a reason... only a matter of time before building in to the others fields and destroying our natural country side."
And Anne Leonard agreed.
She said: "I just despair of a single good decision being made by North Somerset planning committee about Nailsea.
"There is no point in consultation, they just won't be happy until Nailsea is all concrete, no open space and thoroughly unattractive to live in.
"And I thought that the original logic for destroying open space was affordable housing?
"So how does 'high quality housing' in any way fit with that statement?"Although the plans include 30 per cent social housing Mark Gardiner said: "I work for a Housing Association and the term 'affordable' means something totally different compared with the government.
"The quoted 30 per cent I imagine will be Shared Ownership, what with this
nation's obsession with owning your home.
"Renting is a dirty word in this country with negative connotations attached, unfairly."
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The government defines affordable housing as 'social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market'.
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Meanwhile at Nailsea Town Council planning committee also last night it was recommended to allow the Kebab Kitchen to expand into a neighbouring unit.
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There was only one objection citing noise and litter to the takeaway expansion.
Council houses at The Uplands
North Somerset Council has given itself permission to build on recreational land it owns in Nailsea.
Nailsea Town Council (NTC) has issued a statement saying it is bitterly disappointed that North Somerset Council executive member for asset Steve Bridger who is the Independent ward councillor for Yatton, Claverham, Kingston Seymour and Kenn and made the final decision to ‘appropriate’ the public open space at The Uplands.
The town council had written to Cllr Bridger drawing his attention NTC’s serious concerns with the decision report produced by NSC officers.
NSC could not use its statutory powers to appropriate the land to planning purposes without going through due process as outlined in Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972.
In NSC’s report to Cllr Bridger it states:
’The council already owns the freehold of the site, and is a ‘principal council’. Therefore, the council needs to be satisfied that:
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Whether land is no longer required for a particular purpose for which it is currently held, meaning no longer needed in the public interest of the locality for that purpose, is a question for the local authority, subject to Wednesbury principles of reasonableness, and not the Court;
The key words in section 122 are that the land “….is no longer required for the purpose for which it is held immediately before the appropriation”
NSC has not shown that the open space is no longer required for the purpose for which it was held, maintain the town council.
NTC advised NSC that the open space known to the residents of Nailsea as ‘The Uplands’, was, from as long ago as 1966, identified as land intended for the purpose of Public Open Space.
The local authority purchased the land in July 1997 for public open space purposes under the provisions of the Community Land Act 1975.
Up until the present day the site has been used for sport, recreation, leisure and play - it is also a place where adders like to bask on its stone wall.
At no time in the past 43 years has this stopped, either when it was an informal public open space, or for the 24 years it has been in the local authorities’ ownership, say the town council.
In the report NSC tries to justify the loss of public open space as being of lesser importance than the delivery of sufficient and high-quality, sustainable houses across North Somerset and is in the interests of the wider community and to meet the needs of current and future residents.
They state that ’On balance, there are sufficient open space and recreation facilities in the local area to off-set this loss, therefore it is considered that the site is no longer required for open space and appropriation for planning purposes is justified.’NTC asserts that the statement is flawed that it is in the wider public interest to increase the number of homes in the district, over the local needs for open space.
Nailsea will see an increase of more than 600 new dwellings within 200m of The Uplands.
The increase in homes is already evident. The Uplands needs to be kept as a public open space for leisure and recreation, particularly with the additional people that will come with these 600 new dwellings, it adds.
No alternative land has been offered by North Somerset Council to replace this much loved and used public open space.
Nailsea Town Council clerk Jo Duffy said: “There is limited public open space in Nailsea, and during the current pandemic more people have used the space to get fresh air and exercise than in quite some time.”
Public Health England states in its Health Matters: Getting Every Adult Active Every Day ’Increasing physical activity has the potential to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of individuals, families, communities and the nation as a whole. Public Health England (PHE) wants to see more people being physically active.’ It goes on to say ’Improving or adding green spaces and tree cover improves air quality as well as making spaces feel more welcoming. Such changes have prompted substantial shifts from car transport to walking and cycling.’
Nailsea Town Council chairman Mike Bird said: “The Uplands has always been greatly valued by the local community as public open space and Nailsea residents have been very vocal in their defence of that status.
"North Somerset Council decision document clearly ignores this.”
The town council understands that district councillors representing the town will be ‘calling in’ the decision with North Somerset Council community and corporate organisation policy and scrutiny panel.
Snakes alive they have left space for the adders
North Somerset Council has agreed to take forward development on council-owned land to the south of The Uplands in Nailsea.
On Monday, July 19, the full council agreed a Commissioning Plan for the procurement of a development partner to deliver 52 high quality sustainable homes at the site.
The Uplands site is part of the council’s Development Programme agreed in February.
The programme seeks to improve the supply and quality of new housing and employment on council-owned-land, driving up standards and meeting the needs of local people.
The Uplands site secured planning approval in February and will be a flagship for high quality and high sustainability housing:
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The design team has been led by Mikhail Riches Architects, who in 2019 won the RIBA Stirling Prize for Architecture for a scheme in partnership with Norfolk City Council.
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All homes will be Passivhaus certified, a very high standard of energy efficiency meaning lower carbon and lower energy bills for residents. Electrical Vehicle Charging will be provided throughout.
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The scheme is 'landscape-led', with more than 50 per cent of the site remaining as green space and including enhancements to footpaths and woodland.
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The housing mix includes a higher than usual proportion of two-bedroom homes, as well as eight bungalows and features designed to enable home-working and/or downsizing – all intended to help meet local needs. All homes are at least 10 per cent bigger than required by National Space Standards.
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The scheme will provide 30 per cent affordable housing and exceed policy requirements in relation to accessible and adaptable homes that are suitable for residents with disabilities.
North Somerset Council executive member for placemaking and economy is Mark Canniford the Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Weston-super-Mare Hillside.
He said: “The Commissioning Plan will look to find a development partner through an open procurement process.
"We will prioritise a developer that embraces the quality and ethos of the development plans, while at the same time bringing the investment and expertise to deliver the site promptly and efficiency.”
Procurement is proposed to start late summer/early autumn with a view to appointing in early 2022 and a start on site in the spring.
Developers propose new traffic calming measures on main road
Plans have been submitted to North Somerset Council to prepare the way for a housing estate to be built on Farleigh Fields, Backwell – just three years after being rejected by the Ministry of Housing Communities and Local Government.
Villagers have just a few weeks to make comments on plans by Persimmon Homes to build 125 houses on the farmland, demolish two main road houses, reduce the speed of traffic on the A370 with new traffic calming measures and introducing more 20 mph limits on feeder roads.
The current 40mph on the Farliegh Road will be reduced to 30 mph with another light controlled pedestrian crossing on the A370.
A total of 28 documents have been submitted to the council by Persimmon covering issues such as traffic, landscaping, proposed pedestrian crossing on the A370 and water run-off from the new development.
A pond is proposed behind houses on Farleigh Road in a bid to prevent flash flooding, which has closed the road in the past, from being made worse by the development.
Persimmon has applied for outline planning, so that full details of the scheme can be submitted at a later date.
Previous applications were for more houses and covered a greater number of fields. These were rejected by the parish and district councils and on appeal by the Government.
A previous offer by Persimmon to hand some of the fields over for recreation is not included in the new plan.
Backwell was one of the first parishes in the country in 2015 to submit plans on where people would like development. Farleigh Fields was earmarked to remain as agriculture.
Persimmon argue that although the Backwell Plan set out thinking until 2025 it is now out of date and should be disregarded.
The new application says things have changed sufficiently since 2018 to justify the new application, which will see homes built up to the boundary of the private Fairfield School.
Backwell resident, Martin Powell, who was one of the objectors to the previous application, said: “Although houses are needed in this country here is also a real need to protect farmland, following Brexit, as we
PLANS AFOOT: Top shows the traffic queues along the A370 before any new traffic calming measures are imposed and the plans highlights in red the area under threat
need every inch to grow food.
“Backwell Parish Council identified development sites and these fields were not appropriate.
“The impact on the local roads and facilities in the village will be enormous with this scale of development.
“Although these plans are smaller scale than the previous ones it seems Persimmon are applying in stages to try to get their development through by stealth.
“There is a lot of information in the plans and Persimmon have not put on any public displays to clarify issues for people but it is important that everybody makes their views known.”
Outline application is HERE.
The Perrings on slippery slope
Nailsea's favourite recreational slope popular with ramblers, dog-walkers and in winter the premier place to go tobogganing.sledging is under threat from developers.
Moves to safeguard the area by giving it 'town green' status look likely to be thwarted after it was discovered Persimmon Homes own the land.
Former Nailsea Town Council chairman Jan Barber said in her report to the 2021 annual meeting: “The council is aiming to protect the land at The Perrings, at present a well-used open space but undesignated.
“We are hoping it will be given town green status."
But in the passing of time like many play spaces throughout Nailsea ownership has become blurred as developers almalgamate or go bust.
It was a sincerely held belief locally that this open land was owned by North Somerset Council who had mowed the grass and maintained the play equipment for many years.
Speculation on whether the shortcut leading down to Backwell Lake is a public footpath is another serious questionmark.
With Nailsea is set to have thousands of new homes at Youngwood Lane and Engine Lane in the next decade or two thoughts of traffic, schools and community facilities dominanting conversations.
But with the town council likely to get a windfall from the developments hope is at least we will get an arts centre, heritage museum and trail although we are told a swimming pool is not high on the agenda list.
Meanwhile a 23-page report is going to North Somerset Council planning and regulatory committee on Wednesday, July 21, considering the building of 14 homes behind the bungalows at the top of The Perrings.
All objections to building height, wildlife, planting new hedgerows, maintenance of fire hydrants and cyclepaths have been addressed and despite neighbours fiercing opposed the plans have been recommended for approval by planning officers.
You are read the full report HERE and watch the committee discussion from 6pm via YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/user/northsomersetcouncil.
The committee chairman is James Tonkin the Independent ward council for Nailsea West End.
FACING FUTURE: Hensons the High Street estate agents has decided that from Monday, July 19, as it spends so much time going in and out of other people’s houses staff will be continuing to wear face masks and hand sanitiser during appointments.
A Hensons spokesman said: "May we politely request that all visitors to our offices and those viewing properties with us wear facemasks or face coverings too. We have been very grateful for the support of all of our clients throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and we are sure you will help us to continue to stay safe and open while infections are rising."
Backwell estate agents welcome new director
Bristol property specialist Andrew Simmonds has joined Parker’s Estate Agents in Backwell, North Somerset as a board director.
He joins long-serving director Juliet Noble, who has lived in Backwell for many years building up a reputation as a friendly, expert property specialist.
Virginia Madan has retired from the firm after more than 30 years in estate agency.
Welcoming Andrew to the business, Juliet Noble said: “It is great to attract someone of Andrew’s calibre and experience to Parker’s and he has the enthusiasm and drive to help us ensure we keep improving our service to the residential property market in the area.
“The last year has been very difficult for people wanting to buy or sell their home and we are now seeing a great deal of activity in the market as people look forward to the Covid rules being relaxed.
"Andrew and I are looking forward to helping people secure their dream home in North Somerset as the Covid rules are relaxed.”
Andrew Simmonds, who is an associate of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, has worked in the residential property sector since 2005.
He has most recently worked with developers on sales strategies for new build homes and was previously managing director of one of the region’s largest businesses managing apartment blocks for private landlords.
He said: “There is such a diverse range of properties in Nailsea, Backwell and the other North Somerset villages and it is an attractive place for people to live.
"My aim is to build upon the already strong reputation that Parker’s has built, since it was founded by Tim Parker in 1989 and give local people the service they need and deserve.
"My aim is to build upon the already strong reputation that Parker’s has built, since it was founded by Tim Parker in 1989 and give local people the service they need and deserve.
“North Somerset is a fantastic place to live and work which gives it a lively property scene. We know that every property placed with us for sale or rent deserves attention to detail so that we can help people move with the minimum of fuss.”
For more Information go to wwww.parkers-estate-agents.com.
Town council seal the deal to build 'affordable' homes at Engine Lane
A housing deal between housebuilders Barratt Homes, Nailsea Town Council and two other landowners was sealed finally on Wednesday, June 23.
The plan has led to many contentious arguments, heated council meetings and many questions about who will benefit in the six years it has taken to bring to fruition but work is due to start late this summer.
Called Parish Brook, the new development of 171 homes on the land west of Engine Lane, Nailsea, will be offering much-needed housing to local buyers.
Providing housing for local young people has been the priority in this development with Barratt Homes, said a council spokesman.
Parish Brook is one of just a few developments in the South West to include a scheme allocating a proportion of homes to local people.
Nailsea Town Council chairman Mike Bird said: “A fundamental part of the project is to attract young people and families back to our town.
"They are valuable to our economy, as well as community life.
"The saddest part has been the delay National Grid has caused in the delivery of these houses - they should have been built years ago.”
The three landowners agreed to sell the land to Barratt Homes back in December 2015, but unforeseen complications due to work being carried out by National Grid, has caused long delays.
The setback has caused much controversy amongst residents, with pressure being put on the council for the deal to be re-negotiated.
All three landowners have a joint contract with Barratt Homes with legal, planning and professional costs to be considered.
Any re-negotiations carried a risk of the deal collapsing completely.
The council is following legal advice and pursuing a case to seek compensation from National Grid.
Parish Brook will offer a range of two, three and four-bedroomed high-quality housing, with a proportion being prioritised for local buyers.
There will also be 51 affordable homes - although what this actually means in monetary terms is unknown, and a selection of one-bedroom maisonettes to encourage first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder.
The site will include a dedicated public open space, child-friendly play areas and a broad range of sustainability measures including protected trees and hedgerows, a new meadow grassland and sustainable drainage ponds.
A dedicated cycle path will connect the development with Engine Lane and the wider Sustrans cycle network, and a selection of homes will have electric car charge points.
One Nailsea resident told the council: “Having grown up in Nailsea, I’m keen to get on the property ladder but have only been able to afford to rent until now. ”
"Engine Lane is a great location to live and I’m excited about the thought of being able to own my own house in my town.
The money the council receive from the sale of the land - believed to be between four and five million pounds - will be ploughed back into the town.
The council intend to hold a number of resident consultations later on in the year to share ideas and opinions about how the money will be invested. Barratt Homes have also donated £400,000 to Nailsea Rugby Club towards clubhouse renovations, new changing facilities and alternative pitch locations.Mr Bird added: “We are really pleased that the deal has been sealed on this important development for the town and its young people.
"The Nailsea buyers scheme is fundamental to the council’s long-term plans to provide 1,000 additional houses in Nailsea.”
Barratt Homes’ Bristol division sales director Andrea Pilgrim said: “We are very pleased that this key milestone has been reached in our plans to bring much-needed, high quality new homes to Nailsea, alongside significant investment in wider community and sustainability initiatives.
"It’s important to us to support the creation of a balanced and thriving community at Parish Brook so we are committing to allocating a proportion of the homes to people who have worked or lived in the local area in the past two years, with the broader mix of homes suitable for a range of people from first-time buyers to families to downsizers.”
To find out more about Nailsea Town Council, visit www.nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk
Parish Brook baloney
Don’t you just love it when developers pretend to ‘know‘ a local area.
Getting ready to build at Engine Lane in August on the Nailsea Town Council land Barrett’s say:
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Great transport links - yep, we have a railway station with no access for people with disabilities, not sure how a bus is going to in and out of this site? Perhaps they mean all our B-roads in and out of Nailsea?
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Within walking distance, you will also find Barkers of Nailsea - a family-owned butcher which has been trading for more than 100 years. It is called Bakers the butcher - Barret's is barking up wrong tree!
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It is promoting Ofsted 'outstanding' Golden Valley Primary School as close by?
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Only 10 selected homes available for first-time buyers that have lived or worked in Nailsea for at least two years.
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Oh and this must be the winner £68,819 going towards Horseshoe Bat research & conservation!
Read for yourself HERE.
Nailsea Action Group
Nailsea Action Group (NAG) was established at the end of 2015 originally to promote and protect Nailsea’s rural setting particular at its interface with the countryside around it.
Over the past three years its objectives have broadened into campaigning that, if and when the planned additional 3,000+ homes are built in and around the town the necessary infastructure and community support comes with it.
Its response to the announcement by Nailsea Town Council of the completion of the contract with Barratts, paving the way for work to start on the building of 171 houses once the National Grid works are completed.NAG said:
'Much emphasis is placed on a proportion of homes being allocated to local people, with few details provided as to how this scheme will operate. The proportion of affordable housing provided is the minimum required by North Somerset Council's standard policies. The National Grid has been given the brunt of the blame for the delays, despite the fact that both Barratts and Nailsea Town Council were well aware of the constraints for these underground cables in 2015, long before the public was even aware a deal was being considered. However we must now focus on ensuring that the Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) money raised through this sale is used to minimise the impact on the West End of Nailsea.'
Click HERE to download full details as a pdf or call the Nailsea office to talk about this property on 01275 810030
Click HERE to download full details as a pdf or call the Nailsea office to talk about this property on 01275 810030
Battle for The Battleaxes
Nailsea People reported on its May front page:
There are plans to turn The Battleaxes at Wraxall from a country pub into a five-bed house.
The iconic Grade 11 building has stood empty and unloved since summer 2020 when it went on the market with a £1million price tag.
The restaurant with bijou bedroom suites to rent has a chequered history but it was November 2020 the business went into voluntary liquidation.
Then owner South African Matt Lowe had suffered a baptism of fire with zero hygiene ratings, major roadworks outside and then the pandemic.
FRP Advisory Trading Ltd, of Brentwood, Essex, were formally appointed liquidators.
And now Mr and Mrs Patel, of Frampton Cotterell, have submitted a change of use application to turn the pub into a five-bed home.
The Battleaxes was originally built as a Temperance house by the benevolent Matilda Blanche Gibbs, widow of wealthy merchant William Gibbs, in 1881.
To read the application in full on North Somerset Council website click HERE.
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Currently there are 32 public comments still available to read. One says: “I've lived in Wraxall all my life and The Battleaxes has been a huge part of the community. The Gibbs family built the pub for the villagers to use and as a listed building it would be a great loss to Wraxall. With the loss of the Old Barn now not being a public house it's a facility the locals need. I've been to many weddings and wakes over the years and we used to use the pub for family occasions and socialising with friends. With the bus stop right outside it is easy for Nailsea people as the transport links are already available and with good footpaths and Tyntesfield being a huge attraction the pub, if managed well could be a very successful business again.”
⦁ PULLED PLANS: An application to turn The Battleaxes at Wraxall from a country pub into a five-bed house have been withdrawn. Portishead architects PJ Orchards has formerly confirmed to North Somerset Council development management team the decision. The iconic Grade 11 building has stood empty and unloved since summer 2020 when it went on the market with a £1million price tag.
STONEWALLED: What's happening at the Sawyers Arms, anyone? Are popular landlords John and Ali Hooper moving onto their barge or is Stonegate Group selling/leasing its High Street premises. It isn't a 'for sale' notice just a board saying 'fantastic business opportunity'. Rumours are the pub group want to hike the lease in a situation similar to The White Lion in Silver Street. This story reached nearly 6,000 on Nailsea People Facebook page and Ali and John posted this response: "We can confirm that we are retiring and the pub is up for sale as a tenanted property. However, we will not let this pub close and are prepared to stay on until they find someone to take it on." This was followed by lots of messages of support for the couple
ONLINE AUCTION: It was once Nailsea Members' Club then Decades nightclub and now it is an empty shell up for auction. Hollis Morgan hope to sell the upstairs of the High Street property by online auction on Wednesday, June 23, with a guide price of £375,000. It has lapsed planning permission to convert into six one-bed and three two-bed flats which would give the development an estimated value of £1.4M. To view a YouTube video of The Arcade building click HERE. Auction postponed until Wednesday, July 28
Community gain from building levy
Nailsea Town Council netted nearly £10,000 from a community levy charged to developers.
Developers are required to pay a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) to North Somerset Council to help fund the cost of infrastructure such as schools and transport improvements.
Fifteen per cent of the money is passed by the council to the town or parish council where the development takes place, giving them direct control over how the money is spent in their local communities.
This increases to 25 per cent if the council has an adopted neighbourhood plan.
The rest is retained by North Somerset Council to spend on infrastructure to support housing development.
Payments are made to town and parish councils every six months. In the latest round of payments more than £95,000 has been distributed to the following town and parishes:
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Cleeve - £6,072.75
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Flax Bourton - £3,257.41
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Nailsea - £8,514.49
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Portishead - £69,652.80
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Weston-in-Gordano - £446.91
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Weston-super-Mare - £6,352.99
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Winscombe and Sandford - £981.82.
This brings the total amount passed to town and parish councils since the implementation of CIL three years ago to more than £435,000 - but not enough to build many schools when you take into consideration Nailsea School cost £32million.
Fears were expressed at a Nailsea Town Council meeting that children would have to be bussed to neighbouring settlements if the situation isn't addressed before the next phase of house building begins.
Fears were expressed at a Nailsea Town Council meeting that children would have to be bussed to neighbouring settlements if the situation isn't addressed before the next phase of house building begins.
Planning committee chairman Rod Lees told those present that a letter is being sent to North Somerset asking how they will solve the dilemma.
Mr Lees said: "Going up to 2035 we are going to get a lot more people and what about the school capacity - are they aware of this or addressing it?
"Where are we going to put the schools - there is no extra infrastructure planned for our town."
Councillor Jeremey Blatchford who served on the district council for 16 years said; "Some one really needs to have a hard look at this...the numbers just don't add up and I am concerned we would end of with the situation we had in Portishead in 2007.
"I am not satisfied at this moment that anyone has worked out the secondary school numbers because neither Nailsea or Backwell has the capacity to hold all the extra pupils."
North Somerset Council executive member for placemaking and economy Mark Canniford who is the Lib Dem ward councillor for Weston Hillside said: "This money can make a huge difference at a local level, helping communities provide new infrastructure for the benefit of their residents.”
Town and parish councils can spend the money on the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure, or on anything else concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.
This gives local communities flexibility to use the money to best meet their needs.
North Somerset Council is more restricted in how it can spend its share of CIL, and must only use it towards infrastructure projects.
The council publishes an annual report on the total amount of CIL received and how it is spending its share.
In North Somerset the CIL applies primarily to retail and residential developments and the rates vary according to the size, location and type of development. There are exceptions for affordable housing and properties being built for the owner’s own use (for example house extensions) as well as for charitable projects.
There is no charge on employment or community buildings.
Further guidance on the CIL, as well as the annual reports on expenditure, can be found on the council's website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/cil.
SCREEN STARS: Escape To The Country presenter Sonali Shah went shopping in Nailsea while filming a Somerset-based property search last November. Kent couple were looking for a rural home with a budget of £425k. Although the programme didn’t house-hunt in Nailsea the film crew popped into Simply Green, our amazing plastic free High Street shop, to feature the business. Owner Bethan Walker talked on camera about how the store challenges customers to think about their shopping habits in a bid to reduce packaging and food waste. If you missed the programme which went out on Monday afternoon, May 10, it can be viewed here on BBC iPlayer HERE
Saving our green space
Nailsea Town Council is asking North Somerset Council to think again about building on open space at The Uplands.
The two hectares which is approximately the size of four football pitches is dotted with old stone walls and is close to Morgan’s Hill.
After its planning committee on Wednesday evening, April 28, the town council issued this statement in response to change the status of the land:
‘Nailsea Town Council question whether a thorough assessment of the need for open space has been carried out by North Somerset Council. The surrounding land is due to be development for housing and the loss of this well used public open space will put additional pressure on the limited public open space in Nailsea. No alternative provision for public open space has been established by North Somerset Council. We would like to see a thorough assessment which clearly shows the open space is surplus to requirements. If you would like to make an objection to North Somerset Council about the appropriation of land, please email uplands@n-somerset.gov.uk quoting reference UPLANDS before noon on Wednesday, May 5.’
To access the formal district council notice with various links to make an objection click HERE or use the email address link above.
Nailsea Action Group (NAG) spokesman Antony Evans spoke out via Zoom at the committee about the redesignation of the green field.
NAG was established in 2015 to promote and protect Nailsea’s rural setting particular at its interface with the countryside around it.
During the past three years its objectives have broadened into campaigning that, if and when the planned additional 3,000+ homes are built in and around the town:
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there will be sufficient appropriate and sustainable infrastructure to support them;
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that the working, living and ecological environment is not only protected but enhanced; and
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that there is access to green spaces (especially where much may disappear) to maintain not least the quality of the air we breathe, but also for the benefit of physical and psychological health.
Mr Evans said: “The case has already been extensively made for retaining the land south of The Uplands as open space, to wit, not least, nearly 200 objections to the planning application, and I am not going to rehearse these or the history of this piece of green field in the past 50 years as I guess this is well known to Nailsea Town Council.
“I would like, however, to take this opportunity to make three points relevant to the appropriation process, even though they may not make a material difference to it, as I suspect it is more of a technical formality than a genuine opportunity to change the course of action North Somerset Council wishes to take with regard to this site.“First, if the land behind The Uplands is built on, the south western corner of Nailsea looks likely to lose all its easily accessible open green space, what with 171 houses to be built
GREEN SPACE: Top photo of The Uplands field which North Somerset Council wishes to build on is taken by Nailsea Town Council communications and media officer Clare Cox
on Engine Lane very nearby scheduled to commence later this year, and 450 houses in three phases off Youngwood Lane.
“The Youngwood Lane site - currently coined by its would-be developers, Taylor Wimpey, as Netherton Grange - will abut the bridle path on the
southern boundary of The Uplands site, so will effectively be next door to it.
“Secondly, there is therefore no need for a further 52 houses in this locality, but a great need to stem the loss of recreational land, and an increasing need for open space not only for the current residents, but also for the inhabitants of 621 additional dwellings (therefore at least some 2000 people which approximates to 12.5 per cent of Nailsea’s current population).
“This is especially so at a time when the essential need for open space for physical and mental well-being is becoming much better understood, and particularly in the light of both North Somerset and Nailsea Town councils recently declaring a climate emergency, and the expectations therefrom.
“Thirdly and finally, the Local Government Act of 1972 specifies that one of the reasons that it may appropriate land is that ‘it is no longer required for the purpose for which it is held’.
“De facto this land has been held and maintained for public use for years.
“To override this with some technicality of law and destroy this green open space would be an insult to the people who treasure and value it, and a betrayal of the trust those people place in their elected councillors and officers to care for them and the world they live in.”
Age gap housemates become media stars
Two Nailsea housemates with a massive age gap say they get on like a house on fire.
The people sharing a home are Denise Cook, aged 76, and Katie Wonham, 31.
This unlikely pairing was put together by Homeshare UK, a nationwide network for unrelated people to share a home for mutual benefit.
Typically, an older householder with a room to spare will be carefully matched with a younger person who will provide an agreed amount of support in exchange for affordable accommodation.
And the residential coupling of Denise and Katie has bought them some degree of fame with an article in national newspaper The Times and a live appearance via Zoom on the Channel 4 Steph’s Packed Lunch programme which features celebrity guests, fantastic food and the best entertainment, lifestyle and consumer stories making the headlines.
The support provided by the homesharer might include help with tasks such as: cleaning, shopping, gardening, overnight security and companionship.
Homesharing is a simple concept with numerous and wide ranging benefits for all participants. It is an effective and sustainable response to three key policy challenges:
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Helping an ageing population stay independently in their own homes for longer
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Providing affordable accommodation for younger people at a time of record housing shortages and high rent
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Ending loneliness
The Homeshare model is based on trust and friendship, allowing people to ‘live well’ within their chosen communities.
*The phrase 'Get on like a house on fire' means, as fast as a house would burn; very rapidly or vigorously. If two people get on like a house on fire, they like each other very much and become friends very quickly.
BUYING AND SELLING: Sign up for a free property valuation and you could win £1,000 garden centre vouchers in a free prize draw at Hensons of Nailsea. Having first opened our doors back in our first estate agency office in October 1909, the same month that the Model T Ford was announced, Hensons has grown the business to become one of the market leading professional estate agents in the area and certainly one of the longest established family-run companies with a highly recognisable property brand. More details here http://www.hbe.co.uk/valuation.
Formal consultation by council on housing plans at The Uplands
North Somerset Council will be formally consulting this week on plans to change the use of two pieces of land from open spaces to sites for a school and housing.
Notices will be published in the North Somerset Times on Wednesdays, April 14 and 21, to notify residents and other interested parties of the council's intention to change the use of land it owns at Brookfield Walk, Clevedon and to the south of The Uplands, Nailsea.
The council is authorised under the Local Government Act 1972 to consider a change of use (appropriation) of land owned by the authority.
The appropriation process is separate from planning policy and application consultations and relates to the council’s legal duties as the landowner of these pieces of land.
It is proposed through the appropriation process that the purpose of the land change from open space to allow the development of a school at the Brookfield Walk site and housing at The Uplands.
Public responses to the proposals must be received by noon on Wednesday, May 5.
The comments will then be used to inform a decision on whether to proceed with the appropriation which is expected to be made in late May or June.
The council must give fair and proper consideration to any responses made in order to determine whether the land is no longer required for its current purpose. During this process, the council is entitled to seek to strike the balance between comparative and potentially competing public interests.
Comment can be emailed to brookfield@n-somerset.gov.uk or uplands@n-somerset.gov.uk.
See more details by scrolling down this page on what is proposed.
The Chestnuts
Hensons Estate Agents is offering this landmark house at West End Lane, Nailsea for anyone with more than £1 million to spend.
It is a particularly fine period country house dating from the late Victorian era affording spacious accommodation that flows beautifully and presents well with a light, airy feel, and panoramic rural views.
This very comfortable home is enriched with many original features including many arts and crafts details and the elevated, but level setting is private with 360 degree views over a picturesque, gently undulating landscape as far as the coast some 6 miles away.
It also boasts a super pool, stone walled gardens
The impressive house and sweeping driveway has an extensive floor plan which includes family room, drawing room, library, dining room, elegant reception hall, kitchen breakfast room, en suite principal bedroom with three further bedrooms and bathrooms.
A suitably impressive reception hall with a grand Victorian staircase leads ultimately to 4 excellent reception rooms including the family room that is part of the stunning open plan triple aspect kitchen – dining - family room layout measuring over 36’ (11m).
This suite of rooms has a part vaulted ceiling and opens to a superb terrace and the swimming pool terrace. In addition, there is a boot room, a cloakroom, and a generous utility room on the ground floor.
Above, the part galleried landing allows access to a family bathroom and then four comfortable bedrooms, two having bathrooms en suite and all taking advantage of the lovely views in all directions.
The house is approached via a pillared gateway set in very appealing local stone walls. These wall fully encircle the gardens and grounds and are themselves a lovely feature built of the local ‘Nailsea’ stone.
The remote controlled gates open to a drive and carriage sweep with a superb 3-car garage and adjoining WC – changing area serving the pool and garden. A barrel-vaulted cellar is accessed from the forecourt, the swimming pool is heated and the extensive gardens and grounds provide an almost parkland setting.
Contact Kristina Fomina, of Hensons Estate Agents, Ivy Court, 61 High Street, Nailsea, North Somerset, BS48 1AW, call 01275 810030 or email info@hbe.co.uk.
The best house in West End by a country mile.
This superb property is unexpectedly available again due to a chain break so, if you thought you had missed the chance previously act quickly now as there is already lots of serious interest from our mailing list and houses like this are typically available only once in a generation.
Is it stretching the pocket too far? Just remember how low interest rates are and where they are likely staying!
Call Tom or Stuart on 01275 810030 to view this fabulous home that is available without any onward chain delays.
Guide Price £1,250,000
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Three years on and no homes built yet?
Three years ago, the abattoir at West End, Nailsea, closed after being in business for 120 years.
At the time Toby Baker, managing director, told Farmers Weekly he blamed the “relentless” red tape emanating from the Food Standards Agency, and its associated costs, as a factor in the closure decision.
Bakers of Nailsea, put the commercial property and adjoining land on the market for £800,000 but there were no serious takings.
But in November 2019 the 2.7acre site sold by auction for £500,000.
Auctioneers Hollis Morgan said the commercial plot has ‘potential’ for residential development subject to planning permission.
Also, earlier that year in September a piece of land in Nailsea no more than a large kerbside frontage on Station Road sold for £39,000.
Described as a freehold rectangular parcel of land with mature trees and fenced boundary located it sits between Station Road and a dead-end lane leading to a few properties opposite Ash Hayes Road.
The auctioneer said that planning permission for a detached 3-bed house has previously been refused but ‘we understand a more sympathetic scheme may have potential’ subject to consents.
Award-winning architect designs Uplands housing
The locals didn't like North Somerset Council deciding to build on land it thought had been designated as 'recreational' but picking designer of last year’s prize-winning Goldsmith Street for 52-home project has won the council accolades in Housing Today the online industry magazine.
Mikhail Riches’ consented Uplands scheme is a ’rural sister site’ to the practice’s Stirling Prize-winning Goldsmith Street in Norwich, said the council
Architect Mikhail Riches has won planning for 52 Passivhaus-certified homes near Bristol it has designed for North Somerset Council
The 52 Passivhaus homes will be a minimum of 10 per cent above nationally described space standards and include space for home-working. The scheme includes smaller homes for downsizers and eight bungalows that can be adapted for wheelchair users.
The scheme, on council-owned land at The Uplands in Nailsea, a former 19th-century industrial town eight miles southwest of Bristol, is described as landscape-led and includes communal gardens and wildlife corridors. It has electrical vehicle charging throughout.
North Somerset Council said it wanted to 'challenge the development sector to do better by working with some of the best designers in the country', and director Annalie Riches said it was an example of 'what a forward-thinking council can achieve'.
The council will begin procurement of a delivery partner for the Mikhail Riches development this summer with the aim of work starting on site early in 2022. The scheme is designed for manufacture and assembly of MMC panellised construction throughout.
Juliet Bidgood, chair of the Design West review panel which reviewed the scheme at three stages before and during lockdown, said: “We were inspired to see North Somerset leading by example using a strategic site to promote the high-quality design of housing by commissioning a talented design team.
“The project is a valuable demonstration of how contemporary low-carbon approaches to architecture can contribute new character and difference while learning from the local vernacular of a place.
“The project also has the potential to lead the way locally in how to develop homes that are part of a sociable and nature-friendly landscape. The panel were impressed by the way the architect and landscape architect worked together to bring trees into street landscapes and create communal gardens and orchards. It’s good to see North Somerset take practical action to address the climate and biodiversity emergencies through this approach.”
Mikhail Riches was appointed to the West Country project in July 2019 following a competitive tender process through the Greater London Authority’s ADUP2 framework.
It underlines the significance for architects of getting on the framework which can be used by authorities outside London. More than 1,100 applications were received for the 14 categories of the rebranded architecture urbanism panel 3 when retendering began last year.
The council is also working on placemaking schemes with Allies & Morrison in Portishead and Turner Works in Weston and will shortly be starting work on similar initiatives in Clevedon and Nailsea.
Suburban semis for green space
A planning application has been submitted to North Somerset Council to build a pair of semi-detached houses on land between numbers 16-18 Winchcombe Close, Nailsea.
Nailsea is full of small parcels of land on its housing estates left by developers as open space for recreational purposes.
But through the years the original building companies have either amalgamated, gone bust or simply forgotten about these areas many of which North Somerset took on responsibility for mowing the grass and clearing rubbish.
Winchcombe Close resident Rachel Young said: "Our greenspace which lies between two homes where our children and the wider community gather has been sold.
"It is now owned by a someone living on the east coast of England who wishes to squash in two houses which are not in keeping with the rest of the homes in this residential close and infringes on our children's off-street playing area.
"We believe North Somerset conducted the sale of the land without informing the residents.
"As you can imagine the street is extremely upset about the lack of communication - we found out when a neighbour spotted a council planning notice stuck to a lamppost."
On the planning application it is described as ‘empty parcel of land’.
You can view the application HERE.
It was proposed at a recent Nailsea Town Council meeting that these areas could be utilised as community gardens for growing vegetables, planting orchards or pleasant places for neighbours to congregate.
Nailsea Town Council chairman Jan Barber said: “What happened to the town council being informed when North Somerset Council sold its green spaces – we were not notified.”
Rachel is hoping district councillor Andy Coles can answer their questions.
Water woes at Youngwood Lane
There are water supply issues with the phase one plans to build 168 homes on land north of Youngwood Lane and east ff Netherton Wood Lane, Nailsea.
Firstly, Bristol Water says it has an 18in and 450mm trunk main within the site boundary and needs to talk to developers about safeguarding its pipework.
And secondly Avon Fire & Rescue say it needs addition fire hydrants on the site.
Avon Fire & Rescue Service hydrant manager Fay Gresty said: "Avon Fire & Rescue Service aim is ensuring members of the community are safe from fire and feel safe within their own homes by taking a risk assessed approach."
It is calling for a contribution towards the cost of installation and five years maintenance of 13 fire hydrants at £1,500 + vat each by Taylor Wimpey.
Ms Gresty said: "...these fire-fighting water supplies must be installed at the same time as each phase of the developments is built so that they are immediately available should an incident occur, and the Fire & Rescue Service be called."
It total, the developers wants to build 450 homes with new access roads on green fields on the western edge of the town while safeguarding any future road links.
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Meanwhile North Somerset Council has approved the development of the land to the south of The Uplands. North Somerset Council owns the land and has proposed to build 52 dwellings, plus a substation building on site. Nailsea Town Council objected to the land being developed, along with more than 150 others who took the time to comment on the application. The application was approved by North Somerset Council planning and regulatory committee on Wednesday, February 17.
NETHERTON GRANGE: Top of Youngwood Lane on Friday, February 12, a billboard appeared announcing phase one of 168 new homes to be build here with more to follow. In total 450 homes will be built on this sloping meadowland. To register an interest go to: https://www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/proposed-developments/england/somerset/nailsea/netherton-grange.
Further along the Engine Lane Barratt Homes will be developing 171 houses on the site owned partly by the Nailsea Town Council site at Engine Lane. To register an interest for this site go to https://barrattbristolcommunity.com/engine-lane-nailsea/.
Both sites will have a percentage of 'affordable' social housing.
People speak - public consultation
Plans for the future of development in North Somerset have taken an important step forward with the publication of the council’s response to the latest round of consultation.
North Somerset Council is in the process of developing a new Local Plan for the area.
People told the council they didn't want houses built in flood plains and favoured using brown field land.
The report says: "The Urban Focus approach seeks to maximise as much growth as possible close to the largest urban centres of Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Nailsea, Portishead and Bristol where there are already a good range of services, facilities and jobs. This approach had the most overall support out of all the proposed approaches. 569 respondents strongly supported this approach and 391 respondents supported the approach. This means that 64 per cent overall though this was the best approach as to where to locate new development."
The issue of transport and impact on the road network was frequently citied as a concern both in and out of towns and on the villages, such as Tickenham located near to the towns and urban areas.
Tickenham Road Action Group is actively campaigning to stop any more commuter traffic thundering through its village. Its annual meeting is at 7pm on Tuesday, March 9, by video conference on Skype. To join email Bruce Campbell at info@trag.org.uk.
Once adopted, the plan will identify where development can and cannot take place in North Somerset as well as which supporting services and infrastructure are required.
More than 1,600 people took part in the six-week Choices consultation, which focused on the possible approaches to the location of future development in North Somerset.
Four approaches were put forward for discussion and people were asked what they liked or disliked about each, or whether there are any alternative ways of distributing the proposed growth.
North Somerset Council executive member for planning, highways and transport James Tonkin is the independent ward councillor for Nailsea West End.
He said: “The responses to the Choices consultation have been so useful in helping the council understand local people’s priorities for development in North Somerset, so thank you to everyone who took the time to have their say.
“The government’s housing target for North Somerset is currently 20,475 new homes during the next 15 years.
"Without a Local Plan we could end up with unplanned growth in the wrong places, with no supporting facilities.
“The final agreed approach is likely to be a combination of the various different options.
"We are determined to produce a Local Plan which provides high quality places, in sustainable locations, with all the facilities communities need to flourish.”
The results of the Choices consultation will be used as a starting point for developing a draft Local Plan, which will be consulted on this autumn.
To view the results go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/newlocalplan.
Nailsea arts & crafts homes
Did you know there is a row of four terrace houses and one detached home in Mayfair Avenue, Nailsea which are Grade II listed?
Numbers 11-15 were built in 1933-35 by Robert McClaren Love, FRIBA for WH Pippett.
The development was originally called The Close and not completed and the present number 10 was built in 1966 to an unrelated plan.
The homes were listed for their architectural quality as exceptional Arts and Crafts-inspired suburban houses, strongly influenced by Hampstead Garden Suburb, with interesting direct connections with Sir Edwin Lutyens.
In August 2020 one of the freehold three-bed terraced homes sold for £415,000
You can read more here:
https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1246121.
Tick(enham)ing carbon zero boxes
Newland Homes has been given the go-ahead for a development of zero carbon housing in North Somerset.
North Somerset Council has approved the company's plans for 32 new sustainable homes in the village of Tickenham, all of which will benefit from solar panels, air source heat pumps and 'hedgehog highways'.
Outline planning permission was originally granted for the former garden centre in Tickenham, between Nailsea and Clevedon, in 2017.
This latest planning approval confirms the detail of the design and means that Gloucestershire-based developer Newland Homes can now start work on the site, with groundworks scheduled to commence this spring.
Newland Homes developments director Jeremy Drew said: "Newland Homes is investing in the future with our first Zero Carbon scheme.
"It is not a planning requirement, but it is the right thing to do, and is increasingly sought by our customers.
"This is a major milestone and sets the scene for all of Newland Homes' coming developments.
"We're upgrading the ambitions for our properties, so they are more sustainable and economic to run, without compromising on their style, and are future-proofed for both the homeowner and the environment.
"Our Zero Carbon homes even exceed the government's recently trialled Future Homes Standard, currently intended to be rolled out from 2025."
In addition to the 32 new homes available for private sale, about 9,700 sq ft of commercial space is being built by Newland Homes at Tickenham.
This will take the form of office and light industrial space.
Building homes fit for people
The countryside in this photo may soon be lost to development and hundreds of commuters could attempt to shortcut to the M5 along this rural road unless and alternative route is built.
As expected North Somerset Council had little choice but to approve the residential development of up to 168 new homes on land off Netherton Wood Lane, Nailsea.
This application includes the provision of 30 per cent affordable homes, ensuring that local people are able to live and work in the local area, say developers Taylor Wimpey.
The reserved matters planning application is for the first phase but also includes infrastructure roads for the wider development and a safeguarded route for a potential future link road.
The proposals form part of the first phase of a development which received outline planning permission in November 2019 for 450 homes.
The remaining 282 homes will be sought for planning consent at a later date.
The Bristol Post has reported that developers have plans to build hundreds of new homes on green belt land in Failand.
Harrow Estates has launched a major consultation on its vision to build up to 500 homes over 40 hectares of land - which would see the size of the village double.
The development would be spread over three sites bordering the ‘Failand Triangle’ all of which are currently in the green belt near the B3128 and just down the road from Bristol and Clifton Golf Club.
A consultation on the vision has now been launched by Harrow Estates, which is part of the Redrow Group.
The consultation, which will run online due to the current pandemic, runs until Monday, February 22.
The proposal is being put forward at the same time as North Somerset Council is starting to draw up its Local Plan for the area up to 2038.
Read the full story here https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/major-development-bristol-outskirts-could-4929777.
People can find out more about Harrow Estates plan at www.sustainablefailand.co.uk.
And there are reports of more developers 'hovering' or should that be 'harbouring' schemes for other green fields in the Nailsea and Backwell area...
Retro rabbit hutches
It was the biggest planning application they had discussed for two decades, said Nailsea Town Council planning committee chairman Rod Lees at its Zoom meeting on Wednesday, January 13, but the detailed design of the 168 Taylor Wimpey houses for land north of Youngwood Lane and east of Netherton Wood Lane failed to find favour with councillors.
This is Phase One of a development which will eventually see nearly 500 new homes build on the green fields towards West End.
The questionable road network, missing cycle routes and lack of carbon neutral ideas were criticised, and the rows of houses dubbed ‘featureless retro rabbit hutches’, by the committee
There will be 118 homes put on the open market consisting of 16 two-bed, 56 three-bed, 41 four-bed and 5 five-bed with 30 per cent affordable housing for rent or shared ownership.
On the development will be four three-storey blocks of flats.
Taylor Wimpey said: “The application includes 30 per cent affordable homes, ensuring that local people are able to live and work in the local area. The first phase includes infrastructure roads for the wider development and a safeguarded route for a potential future link road. The development, which is accessed from a new through route from St Mary’s Grove, gives us an opportunity to deliver a mixed development of homes, from one-bedroom apartments up to five-bedroom family homes, with parking and public open space."
The application is to be considered by North Somerset Council planning and regulatory committee on Wednesday, January 20.
North Somerset Council decide on the planning applications – Nailsea Town Council only has the power to recommend.
The district council virtual meeting will be livestreamed on You Tube and with all the planning paperwork here
https://planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=QHFDU5LPIWZ00/.
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Retrospective planning permission was sought for a ‘huge’ roof extension on a Victorian cottage in Nailsea High Street. But neighbours said the revised application for the partially built dormers resembled ‘towering’ boxes stuck on top of the 19th century terraced home and they complained had not been informed about the original application. The committee decided the application was a ‘fragrant disregard of planning rules’ and if allowed would send the wrong message to those working in the local construction industry.
Plans for Nailsea eyesore
A redundant college building in Nailsea could be transformed into apartments and the library relocated as part of ambitious plans for the town centre.
Developments Bristol has purchased the former Weston College site in Somerset Square with a view to redeveloping it into apartments with a retail unit on the ground floor.
It is also possible that the town’s library building could be sold and included within the development, with the library being relocated elsewhere in Nailsea.
The firm, headed by Wraxall businessman Paul O’Brien, is currently in talks with Nailsea Town Council, North Somerset Council - which own the library - and the town centre owners Praxis.
Mr O’Brien said the plans were very much at the ‘discussion stage’ but said he hoped the development would provide a mix of private, shared ownership and affordable homes for local people.
The former Weston College building has laid vacant in the town for over a decade and over the years has become an eyesore.
Mr O'Brien said: “We are currently in the very early stages of discussions for this site.
“We want to come up with a scheme that works for everyone and takes into consideration the community buildings.
“The idea is to have retail below and apartments above but nothing is yet set in stone.
“This development will regenerate what is something of an eyesore in Nailsea town centre and provide homes for local people.”
It transformed the former Royal Oak Garage into 10 homes, offices and a retail unit and converted Court House in the High Street from offices into apartments.
It has also redeveloped the former Waverley House offices in Clevedon into 17 flats and is currently working on a project to build new homes at Slade Road in Portishead.
If plans are agreed, building work could start on the old college site early in 2022.
The site has been subject to a number of development plans over the years.
The Tyntesfield Medical Group had wanted to purchase the building next to its Tower House Medical Centre.The plans proposed selling the practice’s Brockway site in the town for housing and relocating the 12 consulting rooms to the medical centre.
A further six consulting rooms would have been added to Tower House, along with a new waiting area, with practice administration staff moving into the Weston College building.
However, the plans were axed due to the uncertainty in the commercial property sector as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
At one point, the college secured planning permission to turn the site into flats, but nothing came of the plan which had been opposed by the then owners of Crown Glass Shopping Centre who didn't want homes on the ground floor.
Mr O'Brian presented to Nailsea councillors several options and added to the Nailsea People Facebbook page: "As I said to the Bristol Post reporter who first publish the story it’s very early days.
"I am speaking with the relevant parties.
"Nailsea Town Council , North Somerset Council and the owners of the shopping precinct owners to come up with a viable solution that will work for everyone including Nailsea residents.
"It needs to work for everyone or it just sits there for another 10 years.
"Regarding the library , there are plenty of large empty shops and ground floor offices in the precinct and to make a scheme viable the library may need to be relocated, access arrangement will be taking into account and I believe would be better than the current arrangement.
"We did have some objections to the development at the Royal Oak but I think the new houses there look really good, designed by O’Leary Goss architects.
"We shall be using them on this project."