Recently Asked Questions
The Parish Council is not able to respond on social media; however we will try and answer all the questions we can, related to the Neighbourhood Plan, however they are raised.
I understand the argument for voting ‘yes’ but I’m not sure I fully understand what the risks are if everyone voted ‘no’. Is it that NSC would make the decisions without parish input or would they not be able to make any decisions and so planning would be on hold?. More information on advantages and risks would be helpful if anyone has any further info.
Voting ‘Yes’ gives the local community via the parish council a greater say in planning decisions. Voting ’No’ means that the policies and statements contained in the Neighbourhood plan are not considered as part of the planning process. There is much more information on how Neighbourhood Plans help local communities have their say on what happens in their area on this website “https://neighbourhoodplanning.org/about/neighbourhood-planning/“.
Is the Local Plan “on hold” because there is a new government, or is it going ahead?
The North Somerset Local Plan is now on hold following the launch of consultations on the new Government’s proposed planning reforms. The plan, which was first consulted on in 2020 and has been shaped by three rounds of public consultation, it was set to go out for a final round of consultation later this year, before being submitted for independent examination. This consultation will not now take place, pending consideration of the updated government guidance and any further work which may be required. The new standard method for calculating housing need is 23,805 dwellings in North Somerset over the next 15 years – that’s nearly 9,000 dwellings more than our current Local Plan target. This delay makes it even more important for the local community to be involved in planning decisions, this is in part achieved by having an approved Neighbourhood Plan in place.
If I vote, what am I voting for? And if I don’t have I let NSC have the power to allow unlimited building in the area?
If you vote ‘yes’, you are voting for a plan written by the Parish Council with the help of the local community, the people who live here, who know and love the area, rather than the local planning authority. Having an approved plan in place forces North Somerset and any developers to consider the local voice in planning decisions. If approved the Neighbourhood Plan will have equal legal status to North Somerset’s Local Plan.
We are in greenbelt – no development can happen here?
North Somerset is very constrained in suitable land for development, if the government retain to the proposed housing target or increase it is highly likely some greenbelt boundaries will have to be moved.
Are the Parish Council connected to a developer?
NO! The Parish Council is a Government body and represents the people of the Parish. The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group is made up of Councillors and local people as representatives of parishioners and who wish to help the residents of Wraxall & Failand have their say in how our community evolves.
How is the Neighbourhood Plan funded?
The Plan is funded from Parish Council reserves. Central government provides grants to Parish Councils undertaking a Neighbourhood Plan. Wraxall & Failand PC applied for and received £10,000 of funding.
What Area does the Plan Cover?
The boundary of the Neighbourhood Plan is the actual parish boundary of Wraxall & Failand. Given that one of the recent speculative developments in our area spills over into the Long Ashton Parish we felt it sensible to work with Long Ashton and try to include those fields to the East of Weston Road, Failand into our plan. However as Long Ashton have already published their plan this was not possible, but we will continue to engage and work within our existing close relationship with Long Ashton Council. The same can be said of Nailsea Town Council in relation to the land North Nailsea.
How did you engage with the Community?
The Parish Council held a number of consultation events at both the Cross Tree Centre and Failand Village Hall. In addition a questionnaire was sent to all households in the parish. A big part of local government is about collecting the views of local people and surveys are one of the best ways of doing this. This is common practice across the U.K. If the data comes back showing that residents strongly want ‘X’ then it makes it more difficult for councils / developers, etc… to justify ‘Y’ as long as ‘X’ is aligned to the North Somerset Local Plan, currently being developed. Engagement activities like this can help to identify new things and bring about positive change.
Why is this happening?
The housing target for North Somerset, imposed by central government is currently set at 23,805 dwellings in North Somerset over the next 15 years – that’s nearly 9,000 dwellings more than the current Local Plan. North Somerset Council are currently consulting on how this level of growth can be accommodated. Developers have put forward initial proposals for THREE developments of approximately 400 homes (per proposal) within our parish. One way the local community can influence the future of their parish is through the legal mechanism of a Neighbourhood Plan. Wraxall & Failand Parish Council have drafted its Neighbourhood Plan and in doing so consulted with local residents to gain a factual understanding of their views so that we have a sound basis for representing the people of the parish in the choices that will have to be made in the future.
How does the Neighbourhood Plan align with North Somerset Local Plan?
A neighbourhood plan if ‘made’ (adopted) by North Somerset Council, will form part of the statutory development plan for our area. It will sit along side the North Somerset Local Plan and be considered during the evaluation of all planning applications in the area.
What are the additional benefits of having a Neighbourhood Plan in place?
Increased funding for local projects within the parish such as road safety improvements. When any property is built or extended in the parish North Somerset Council levy a Community Infrastructure charge. With a Neighbourhood Plan in place 25% of that charge comes to the community.
How can I have my say?
You have an opportunity to have your say on the Neighbourhood Plan by voting in the forthcoming referendum on the Thursday 19th September. Polling Stations will be set up in the Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall and the Village Hall, Failand. They will be open from 8:00am to 10:00pm.