PROPOSALS to build shops, social housing and private homes on Nailsea's derelict Glassworks site have been put forward. Hobbs Holdings, which own

PROPOSALS to build shops, social housing and private homes on Nailsea's derelict Glassworks site have been put forward.Hobbs Holdings, which own the historic site jointly with North Somerset Council, has put forward a set of architect drawings to the authority to redevelop the area.No detailed plans have been revealed and a meeting is now awaited between the site owners and English Heritage.Jeremy Hobbs, of Hobbs Holdings, said: "The proposals are for a mix of homes and shops and there will be some social housing."We are now waiting for a meeting with English Heritage to discuss the plans further."North Somerset Council appointed a team of architects earlier this year to draw up a series of possible options for the site. Suggestions included turning the site into a park or using it for offices.Other proposals included creating a new car park for the town or redeveloping the site to include community buildings which could include workshops, community centre and possibly a new library.The news of the development proposals has been welcomed by Nailsea councillors who have been pressing for the site, which has become an overgrown eyesore, to be developed.Nailsea Town Council chairman Marston Dufty said: "I am encouraged that proposals have been drawn up by Mr Hobbs."The Glassworks is a sensitive site and is a scheduled ancient monument and English Heritage is being particularly careful that the owners of the site deal with its development in the proper manner."It cannot be left as an eyesore for much longer. North Somerset has assured the town council that it will be consulted on any plans for the site and we look forward to those discussions."The Glassworks was opened by John Lucas in the later 18th century and became Nailsea's biggest employer.By the late 1830s it had expanded to become one of the fourth largest in the country, but closed in 1874 due to dwindling coal supplies.The remains of the Glassworks were listed as a scheduled ancient monument in 2003, which means any future development of the site, will have to meet strict guidelines set by English Heritage.