A new village with 5,400 homes could be built near Banwell and Churchill with plans for a Banwell bypass and a new motorway junction.

The plans have been released in the draft proposal for the Joint Spatial Plan and Joint Transport Study, which cover housing and infrastructure requirements across North Somerset, Bristol City, Bath and North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire councils until 2036.

An exact location for the new ‘garden village’ has not been chosen, but councillors confirm the homes will be the built somewhere between the M5 at Locking Parklands, through Banwell, Sandford, Churchill out to the A38 south of the airport.

The houses will be built alongside improved infrastructure including transport, road links and various community facilities.

North Somerset Council leader, Cllr Nigel Ashton, said: “We’re responding to the needs of our growing population; increasing demands for homes and jobs, and seeking to address the issue of affordability for people on lower salaries wanting to buy or rent their own home.

“This is an opportunity to ensure that the housing is matched by the necessary support and facilities. This could mean new roads, public transport, schools, and health facilities to meet local needs.”

The council’s executive will decide whether to approve the draft proposal ready for consultation at a meeting on Tuesday.

Public consultation will run from November 7 to December 19.