National Planning Policy Framework – August 2026
National Planning Policy Framework - August 2026
Update on access arrangements for the temporary carpark near Rodney Road
Following concerns raised regarding potential conflicts between pedestrians and vehicles around West Leigh Infant School, it have been confirmed that an alternative access arrangement has now been agreed. Taylor Wimpey has provided the below updated plan showing the revised access route for the temporary parking area. This revised arrangement will require the removal of a small number of trees to allow the access to be created. It has been confirmed that the trees requiring removal are not covered by the Group Tree Preservation Order (TPO), which protects the larger established trees on the site and that replacement planting will be required once the project is complete (with the exact location to be agreed) Ground protection will be installed both near the corner where the large poplar tree is located and at the field entrance to help protect these trees during the works. The temporary parking area will also be kept [...]
North Somerset Council gives consent for a temporary carpark near Rodney Road.
Backwell Parish Council raised concerns regarding North Somerset Council’s decision to grant Taylor Wimpey consent for a temporary 26-space car park on agricultural land adjacent to the development site on Rodney Road. Plans for the proposed arrangement are shown below. Following these concerns, Backwell Parish Council sought clarification from North Somerset Council. The response received from NSC sets out the planning considerations and legal position that informed their decision. This scheme has been licensed under a ‘peppercorn’ agreement to facilitate the installation of a new hard surfaced footpath from the new development by the scout hut to West Leigh. Backwell Parish Council understands that the motivation in developing this scheme were well intended but without communication with the village no suitable alternative measures were explored and the scheme leaves the pedestrian access to Meadowside PreSchool and West Leigh Infants and its users more vulnerable due to the additional traffic movements [...]
Demolition of 23 Dark Lane, Backwell
Please see below the information provided by Persimmon Homes regarding the planned demolition works at 23 Dark Lane, Backwell, which are due to commence on 17 August 2026. Dear Resident, We would like to inform you of the upcoming demolition of the property at 23 Dark Lane, Backwell. Demolition is scheduled to commence on Monday 17th August 2026 and will be carried out on our behalf by specialist contractor, Lawson Group. We appreciate that these works may cause some temporary inconvenience and would like to reassure residents that the demolition has been carefully planned to minimise disruption to our neighbours and to ensure safety at all times. To help reduce disruption, any works involving the use of the road or footpath will only take place between 09:00 and 15:00. Some activities may be undertaken outside these hours where they do not affect the road or footpath outside the site boundary. [...]
Help us build a safer Backwell – Have you experienced flooding?
Backwell Parish Council is working hard to ensure our village remains safe and prepared for the future. One of the growing issues we’re tackling is surface water flooding, particularly from rainfall running off Backwell Hill. To address this properly, we need your help. Although official records list only one flooding incident on Farleigh Road since 2012, we believe this doesn’t reflect the true picture. We understand that several properties may have been affected over the years, and it’s vital that these incidents are recognised so we can take the right action. Have you experienced flooding at your property on Farleigh Road? If so, please take a few minutes to complete our quick Flood Report Survey. Your response will help us: Accurately record flooding incidents Strengthen our case for future improvement works Better protect homes and residents across the village 👉 [Click here to complete the survey]
Update – Farleigh Fields Site
Farleigh Fields Site Persimmon Homes have notified Backwell Parish Council that their contractor will be completing all signage works in Backwell on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th August 2025. This will see a change from 40mph to 30mph along the road from Farleigh through to the site. In addition, the lighting columns on the main road in front of the site will be installed and connected on Thursday 18th and Friday 19th September 2025.
Rodney Road / Taylor Wimpey Site – Update from Backwell Parish Council
Taylor Wimpey (TW) and Rodney Road (RR) development for 60 houses. Statement from Backwell Parish Council (BPC) - 20th August 2025 BPC thanks residents and users of the Playing fields for their forbearance during this difficult first phase of the Rodney Road (RR) build. A great deal of work is going on behind the scenes to make this situation more manageable for residents as well as having the site access ready before the new school term. North Somerset Council (NSC) have visited the site on several occasions and are liaising with Taylor Wimpey (TW). NSC have explained to us that there has been no breach of the planning regulations. NSC Enforcement are focused on the continued monitoring, community liaison and delivery of RR. We await an update in relation to temporary Highways and parking restrictions on RR, arrangements are currently under discussion at NSC. From Thursday 21st August 2025 improvement [...]
Rodney Road / Taylor Wimpey Site – Update from Backwell Parish Council
Taylor Wimpey and Rodney Road development for 60 houses. Statement from Backwell Parish Council (BPC) - 11th August 2025 BPC strongly opposed Taylor Wimpey's (TW) housing development near Rodney Road in Backwell, but North Somerset Council (NSC) approved the project. After finalising conditions, building work will begin soon, with enabling works currently in progress. As volunteers and residents, BPC understands the sadness in losing these beloved fields but once land has consent, a pragmatic approach is required to secure a safe and smooth build. BPC has engaged with NSC and Taylor Wimpey to finalise a Construction Ecology Management Plan and Construction Traffic Management Plan, both have recently been approved. Whilst a consultee, BPC has limited influence as NSC is the awarding authority responsible for planning decision making. Taylor Wimpey (TW) have been proactive and supportive of our local groups, having met with West Leigh Infants School, Backwell Playing fields Committee [...]
Important Update – Farleigh Fields Site
Farleigh Fields Site Persimmon Homes have notified Backwell Parish Council of further top soil shift scheduled from Tuesday 12th August until Friday 15th August 2025. As such, there will be several lorries coming and going throughout those four days. The contractor being used is B&A and the location is WSM. Local residents will be informed by the site team.
Rodney Road / Taylor Wimpey Site – Update from Backwell Parish Council
Following residents’ concerns over the last few days, Backwell Parish Council (BPC) contacted both Taylor Wimpey (TW) and North Somerset Council (NSC) to request further information. Here’s the update we’ve received: Grass Cutting The land was previously under a grazing licence with a local farmer. Prior to completion taking place, TW were advised that the landowner/tenant wished to cut the grass one last time. This took place last week and unfortunately, it appears a tree was damaged during the cut. TW does not anticipate any further grass cutting until the new access from Rodney Road is in place. Site Access & Works TW held a site meeting recently to assess enabling works, including fencing and an archaeological survey. Access was made via the gate next to West Leigh Infants School – the same entrance used by the farmer, and a permitted right of way to access the land. As of [...]