LAND suitable for future retail, leisure and residential opportunities is needed across the region.

A public call has been made by North Somerset Council to try to find sites which so far have not been considered for development.

Councillor Elfan Ap Rees, executive member for planning, has lead the authority’s appeal.

He said: “This is an opportunity for us to update the information about existing sites.

“We are interested in considering all sites that could accommodate five or more homes, or sites with potential for economic development that are at least 0.25 hectares or could have 500 sq.m of floor space.”

The council is open to all possibilities ranging from office blocks and warehouses to new homes and shops.

Cllr Ap Rees said this appeal could attract extra investment to the area or open the eyes of people based in North Somerset to the opportunities on their doorstep.

He added: “We want as wide an audience as possible to know about this so that those who aren’t normally involved in property development have the opportunity to contribute.”

The council’s core strategy means 17,130 new houses must be built across North Somerset in the next 13 years.

Although the authority claims it has sufficient land already to meet such plans, its spokesman said it was important keep planning for the future.

Any site recommended for development during the public appeal will still be required to go through the normal planning permission process.

For more information, or to make a submission, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/callforsites