Plans to build a primary school and more than 200 houses have been reworked by developers after residents slated the blueprints.
Planning consultant Sutherland Property and Legal Services Ltd laid out its proposals in September for a £15million development on Sanders Field, off the A370 in Bleadon, which would include 250 houses, 30 per cent of which would be affordable.
But the plan was met with widespread anger from residents, who set up a petition asking for the plans to be rethought.
Company director Amanda Sutherland has told the Mercury the business has ‘significantly redrawn’ the proposed scheme after more than 100 people wrote in to express concerns about the plans.
Ms Sutherland said: “We had considered the provision of a school in the village to meet an already-identified need, and through it would be a positive contribution to the community through close provision and the opportunities for shared community sport facilities.
“However, there was only one supporter of this approach.
“The majority of residents do not want a local school as it would mean they lose the choice to place their children out of county in what are perceived as better schools than those available within the North Somerset catchment.
“This was a surprise to us.”
Instead, residents said they wanted to see highway improvements to the main A-road access points, highways safety and improved bus services to the village, a health centre or doctors’ surgery and local shops which stay open longer.
The redrawn plans take into account residents’s wishes and include two new access points, one off the A370, a play area and approximately 200 houses.
Ms Sutherland added: “We have significantly redrawn the proposed scheme, reducing it in size, removing the proposed school and adding a health centre, shops and offices for start-up businesses.
“The scheme will have a reduced housing number and the highway arrangement will link through the village providing a safe alternative to existing access ways.”
The firm has invited people to comment on the new plans by emailing admin@sutherlandpls.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here