Plans to double the number of homes in a village by building on “precious farmland” have been opposed by some residents.
Protesters gathered earlier to object to North Somerset Council’s local plan, which proposes 1,800 new homes in Backwell by 2041. Residents have said farmland, earmarked for about 1,000 houses, is crucial for future food security.
Resident Loraine Hopkinson said: “We’re a village of under 2,000 houses so another almost 2,000 houses is doubling the size of the village and really turning it into a town without the infrastructure to go with it.”
North Somerset Council’s chiefs said they “recognise concerns” but there is an urgent need for new homes.
The farmland earmarked for 1,000 new homes is classified as Grade I listed agricultural land, meaning it offers consistently high yields. About 7% of land in North Somerset has this top ranking.
Planning permission has already been granted for 800 new homes on Farleigh Fields and Grove Farm.
Ms Hopkinson added: “It’s really important and precious land. I think it’s been a stark reminder – Covid and the war in Ukraine – how precarious our food production now is in this country.”
Bridget Petty, councillor for Backwell, said she was “really concerned” about the plans.
“This is too much, it’s unsustainable. We need land for food,” councillor Petty added.
A council spokesperson said they “recognise the concerns and strength of feeling both for and against some of the proposals in the local plan”.
“Protecting greenfield, farming and heritage land is important to us all,” they said.
“At the same time, there is an urgent need for housing and affordable homes which will enable local families now and in the future to live, work and thrive in North Somerset.”
People have until 12 December to comment on the council’s local plan.
The local authority has been told by central government it needs to build a mandatory 23,895 new homes by 2041.
To hit the housing target, the council will need to build an average of 1,593 homes a year. The government has been approached for comment.
