Plea for funds as village faces ‘biggest threat’

CAMPAIGNERS battling proposals that could see Backwell face “the biggest threat it has ever seen” are appealing to villagers to contribute to a fighting fund.

The Backwell Resistance Group is seeking £7,500 to employ planning, wildlife and ecology experts to represent the village at a series of hearings on the Joint Spatial Plan.

The plan, which sets out how the Bristol region should develop over the next two decades, is being scrutinised by two Government inspectors. Two weeks of hearings have been held at the Guildhall in Bath, with a further two weeks planned for September.

Backwell was represented at the first hearings, as it fights to stave off major development, thanks to funding from the parish council and the residents’ association. But more money needs to be raised to ensure it has representation at the next hearings.

Major developments are proposed for Backwell, including 700 homes at Grove Farm. If agreed, the population of the village

could increase by 40 per cent. Other plans include a four-lane link road and Metrobus route from the A370 – close to Backwell Lake – which would link to thousands of homes planned in Nailsea, and then on to the M5.

There are also plans for a road across Backwell Common, the closing off of Station Road and the creation of a park and ride and multistorey car park at Nailsea and Backwell station.

Backwell Resistance spokeswoman, Lorraine Hopkinson-Parker, said: “The proposals contained in the JSP are the single biggest threat Backwell has ever faced. If all the proposals get agreed, Backwell will no longer be a village.”

Following the final hearings, the inspectors will make a report to West of England local authorities, which may include proposed amendments. Once satisfied the plan meets planning rules and laws, the four councils must adopt it, giving it statutory authority. It would guide the review of their own local plans.