Backwell Parish Council

A local Council, serving a lovely village in North Somerset

Welcome to the Backwell Parish Council website, developed to help residents and other interested parties stay up to date with the work of their Parish Council.

What We Do

A Council (a Parish Council in a rural area is the same as a Town Council in towns) must do what Parliament requires it to do and must only do what Parliament says it may do.

One of the most important things we do is to set a local precept (tax) for the year which is used to fund all expenditure by the Council. Once a year we give grants to local voluntary organisations who ask for help. This is not automatic and has to be approved by the Council.

Part of the regular work of our Parish council is informing and contributing to North Somerset Council’s planning system. In addition we respond to consultations relating to major proposals in and around our Parish. For example, we try to influence and inform the North Somerset Council Local Plan 2041, Bus Services Improvement Plan and Bristol International Airport. We can influence other organisations such as North Somerset Council or local Members of Parliament.

More information about the 2025 consulation on the North Somerset Council Local Plan 2041 can be found here.

Our Neighbourhood Plan was created almost 10 years ago and it is now time to review and update the Plan. Backwell Parish Council are undertaking this review with support from specialist consultants, Backwell Residents Association and other interested Backwell residents /and local groups. Follow our progress and share your ideas as we review and update our Neighbourhood Plan!

We are non political and all Parish Councillors are unpaid volunteers. Each member of the council makes a Declaration of Interests and our Code of Conduct is available.

Important dates for your diary

Annual Parish Meeting of Electors Thursday 23rd April 7pm at the Parish Hall,BS48 3QW

Over 60’s Tea Party  Thursday 26th November 2:30pm-5:30pm at the Parish Hall,BS48 3QW

Carols Around the Crib Thursday 17th December 6:00pm-7:00pm at the Parish Hall,BS48 3QW

Parish Council Calendar of Meeting and Events

Meetings

All of the Council’s meetings take place in Backwell Parish Hall

More About Meetings

Members of the public are welcome to attend all Council meetings and may speak on agenda items but only during a short period set aside at the beginning of the meeting (public participation). More details of all planned meetings are available at the schedule of meeting dates.

Annual Meetings

  • 2 per year, the first usually takes place in April (Annual Parishioners Meeting), and the second in May (Annual Meeting of Council)

Full Council

  • 7.30pm, usually held on the first Thursday of the month
  • Open to the public

Planning Committee

  • 7.00m, usually third Thursday of the month
  • Open to the public

Working Party

  • These are not official Council Meetings and are not open to the public