Our proposals

Wain Homes development – Keyford on the Green, Street View

About the site

Wain Homes’ proposed development would be located on land to the north of Claverham Road, Claverham. The plans would deliver up to 130 new homes, 30% of which would be provided under affordable housing, across approximately 7.5ha of land.

Built development would be restricted to the southern half of the site, while the northern fields would be retained as public open space with ecological enhancements.

The development site lies outside the Green Belt, meaning much-needed housing can be delivered for Claverham and North Somerset without releasing protected land locally or elsewhere in the district. It is within Flood Zone 1, the lowest UK flood risk category, and contains no notable heritage assets or planning designations that would constrain development.

*Family unpacking boxes in their new home*

Up to 130 new homes, creating opportunities for home ownership across a range of house-sizes.
30% of homes designated as affordable housing.
Protection and enhancement of significant areas (approximately half the proposed site) of green open space, including areas of hedgerow planting, tree planting and wetlands features, delivering a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain across the site.
Provision of accessible, green open spaces with area(s) of equipped play space.
Primary access to the site off Claverham Road, retention of public right of way LA21/3/40, as well as the opportunity to deliver connectivity improvements, through new or enhanced footpaths.
Significant connectivity improvements, including cycling and walking accesses to promote sustainable transport.
Employment and training, as well as procurement, opportunities created during construction.
Financial contributions to support local services and infrastructure via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and section 106.

Access & Highways – A sustainable approach to travel

The primary access to the site will be off Claverham Road, as shown on the plan below.

Public right of way LA21/3/40 will be retained providing sustainable connections to Yatton and the wider countryside.

The site benefits from being in a sustainable location, being in close proximity to a wide range of local facilities.

The B3133 provides direct access to Yatton and Congresbury, while Yatton railway station offers frequent services to Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, and beyond. Local bus routes also serve the village, most notably the X11 which runs between Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon and services Claverham, Yatton and Congresbury, with a bus stop in close proximity to the access point on Claverham Road. Additionally, the X1 and A3 both pass through local village Congresbury and serve Weston-super-Mare, Bristol and Bristol Airport.

As part of the preparation of our outline planning application we will be preparing a comprehensive Transport Assessment, which will identify the potential impact of the proposals on the highways network. Initial modelling undertaken as part of the Transport Assessment has indicated that the delivery of up to 130 new homes could be associated with 64 two-way trips in the morning peak (08.00-09.00) and 66 two-way trips in the afternoon peak (17.00-18.00).

To encourage sustainable travel and reduce reliance on single-occupancy car use, the development will be supported by a Framework Travel Plan, with measures including multiple pedestrian and cycle access points around and through the site, dedicated cycle parking and EV charging facilities.

The need for new homes in North Somerset

There is currently a significant need for new homes nationally, as well as more locally across North Somerset. In the emerging pre-submission Local Plan 2040, North Somerset Council is anticipating a provision will be made for at least 14,902 homes between 2025-2040, with an annual target of 993. Currently, North Somerset Council can only demonstrate approximately 2.94 years of housing land supply, meaning there is an increasing need for sustainable and deliverable housing sites to help address the shortfall and meet local housing needs.

Protecting and preserving the landscape

The protection and enhancement of significant areas (approximately half the proposed site) of green open space is an important feature of the proposals, and ensuring that the plans integrate sympathetically into the local landscape has been a significant influencing factor in developing our masterplan for the site.

This publicly accessible green space will include areas of hedgerow planting, tree planting (including provision for an orchard), as well as wetland features as part of the site’s sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) incorporated as a key part of the plans. These nature enhancements are intended to complement the existing mature network of trees and hedgerows around the boundary of the site, ensuring privacy for neighbouring properties is maintained.

As part of the application we will also prepare a comprehensive Landscape Visual Impact Assessment.

*Wain Homes development – Cherry Blossom Street View*

Improving biodiversity and ecology

We are keen to ensure that the proposals align with NSC’s aspirations to support biodiversity and tackle the ecological emergency. As such, we have already conducted initial ecological surveys and assessments and used the findings of these to inform our design, which have no significant ecological constraints.

We are currently in the process of preparing a comprehensive Construction Ecological Management Plan to set out measures which will be put in place to avoid impacts on wildlife, including restrictions and controls on the use of artificial lighting during construction, to minimise any impact on bats.

*Eco friendly housing development with trees and flowers*

Some of the key measures included within our proposals which will seek to support and enhance biodiversity on the site are:

Delivering extensive areas of publicly accessible open green space, which with significant additional tree and hedgerow planting, will help improve the habitat and foraging opportunities for species around the site.
Creating a buffer around the site boundaries to improve the site’s habitat value and provide foraging habitat for bats.
Providing bird and bat boxes, bee bricks, and bug hotels across the proposed development.

Whilst we will continue to refine our proposals, we are firmly committed to ensuring that we deliver a minimum of 10% biodiversity net gain across the site, aligning with NSC’ planning policy and national legislation.

Generating investment and supporting jobs locally

The proposals would deliver significant investment and would create and support jobs directly and through the wider local supply chain. According to the Home Builders Federation, the delivery of up to 130 new homes is estimated to support the employment of over 451 people and provide 5 apprentice, graduate or trainee placements during construction, as well as generating an additional £3.4 million in tax revenue, including over £261,000 additional council tax revenue annually.

*Woman preparing for bike ride on residential path near homes in sunny weather*

Financial contributions would be made via the Community Infrastructure Levy, which would support NSC to deliver infrastructure projects such as schools, transport links, public open space or recreation facilities. Claverham already benefits from a wide range of amenities, including a primary school and associated pre-school, as well as a village hall offering post-office services and community space. The site also sits on the southern edge of Yatton, which hosts two primary schools, a preschool and nursery, a medical centre, dental centre, pharmacies and pubs, as well as community facilities such as a library, village hall, youth club, churches and sports clubs. The delivery of new homes at the proposed site will increase footfall and spend locally, helping sustain key services and strengthen the long-term vitality of both Claverham and Yatton, while benefiting from the amenities these communities provide.