Councillors have U-turned and approved plans to build 54 homes in Banwell despite community opposition - with one saying "we won’t find a better site anywhere in North Somerset".
North Somerset Council planning bosses rejected proposals for Wolvershill Road last month after claims the village has taken its fair share of new housing.
Because they went against officer advice they were asked to ratify the decision on July 15 - but instead voted to approve the development by Strongvox Homes.
Proposing refusal, Cllr Mike Solomon told the planning and regulatory committee: “We’ve had 153 objections from residents. The parish council is against it. Both the ward members are against it. Banwell has taken their fair share.
“We need to build more houses but what we’re doing in some cases is agreeing to put houses in areas we wouldn’t normally agree to if we weren’t under this pressure - we can’t fall into that trap.”
Objectors claimed Wolvershill Road was the wrong site, the access is unsuitable, the development would add to congestion and the infrastructure is unable to cope.
Banwell ward member Ann Harley added: “Are we going to ignore the concerns of our community? It’s not nimbyism. We’re all going to be gridlocked if we’re not careful.”
Council policies allow up to 25 houses to be built on sites like this that are outside village development boundaries.
Cllr Steve Bridger said: “This is a speculative application. I’m concerned if we approve this we’re setting a precedent and saying 25 houses on the edge of service villages actually means 54.
“I’ve no doubt that Banwell will get a lot of development once the bypass comes, but we should hold our ground - the infrastructure needs to come first.”
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The vote to refuse the application was defeated by six votes to five.
Officers recommended approval, saying the benefits of extra housing outweighed the negatives.
Richard Kent, the council’s head of planning, said: “The Government said we need to build out of the recession. Even more emphasis will be given to getting house building going than might have even been the case previously.”
Cllr John Crockford-Hawley said claims Banwell had “taken its fair share” or that it would be overwhelmed by the development “won’t wash” if the application went to appeal.
Proposing approval, Cllr John Ley-Morgan said: “This site is ideal for development. This development would be very popular. The developer has a good reputation.
“Adding further properties could add further weight to Banwell’s need for a school and a doctor surgery, and for shops to open rather than closing. The bypass will only add to the attraction.
“Let’s complete this job. We won’t find a better site anywhere in North Somerset.”
