Long awaited plans to build new homes on the fringes of Nailsea are to be discussed again – following amendments to the original scheme.
Nailsea Town Council agreed to sell off land at Engine Lane several years ago to Barratt David Wilson to bring forward a development of 183 homes.
Planning permission for the development, which would see a mix of family homes and affordable housing, was agreed in 2017 subject to 106 arrangements being finalised.
The development includes land currently used by Nailsea and Backwell Rugby Football Club for its sports pitches.
As part of the agreement new, improved pitches would be provided on neighbouring land, with the rugby club given a further £400,000 to improve its clubhouse and other facilities.
However, three years on the scheme has still yet to be finalised due to complications involving the building of a new 37 mile power line by National Grid.
Initially the energy giant stipulated no homes could be built within 10 metres of the power line.
But over the years, and as the project progressed, this was expanded to 16 metres, resulting in the number of homes on the site being reduced to 171.
As a result an amended planning application has now been submitted to North Somerset Council.
An extraordinary meeting of Nailsea Town Council is being held next week to discuss the amendment.
The majority of the land earmarked for the development is owned by Nailsea Town Council while smaller parts are owned by local landowners.
However there is also another issue in that there is a clause in the contract between the council, landowners and Barratt that all the contract conditions must be in place and agreed by July 31.
If not, the council and other landowners will be given the chance to revisit the scheme – with the potential to terminate of the scheme.
It is now hoped that the deal to sell off the land can be finalised.
All money generated from the sale of land will be invested for the benefit of the town.
Nailsea Town Council clerk Jo Duffy said: “The town council continues to be keen to develop the site as it will bring much needed affordable housing for young people in the town who wish to stay in Nailsea.
“It will also bring improvements for the rugby club.
“Although planning permission was granted in 2017 there have been a number of delays due to the building on the new power line by National Grid including an amendment to the number of new homes.
“This amendment to the planning permission will be discussed by councillors at the meeting.
“We hope all issues will be resolved by July 31 and the development can move forward.”
