✅Planning and Regulatory Committee Votes to Retain Parish Boundary

The Parish Council is pleased to announce that, following strong public support, on Wednesday 17 December North Somerset Council’s Planning and Regulatory Committee voted to retain the existing parish boundaries between Nailsea and Wraxall & Failand.

As part of the second stage of the Community Governance Review, residents were asked whether they supported maintaining the current boundary arrangements, which ensure that The Elms and the undeveloped land to the north remain within the parish of Wraxall & Failand. The consultation generated a high level of engagement, with 524 responses received.

The majority of respondents – 466 in total – supported the draft recommendation to retain the existing boundary, 57 respondents opposed the proposal, while one respondent indicated uncertainty. This feedback closely reflected the views expressed during the first stage of the consultation, demonstrating a consistent level of support throughout the review process.

Those who opposed the recommendation expressed the view that The Elms and nearby northern developments are functionally and geographically linked to Nailsea, citing their reliance on Nailsea’s facilities. They suggested that a boundary realignment could lead to fairer governance, funding arrangements, and closer alignment with settlement boundaries.

However, the committee concluded that the level of opposition was insufficient to warrant a change to the existing arrangements. It has therefore been formally agreed that The Elms and the undeveloped land to the north will remain within the parish of Wraxall & Failand.

This outcome reflects the considerable efforts of the local community. The Parish Council would like to thank the residents who generously volunteered their time to distribute leaflets, as well as everyone who took part in the consultation. Your involvement, contributions and views played a vital role in shaping the final decision and ensuring that the current parish boundaries are maintained.