Proposals

The emerging proposals for Tower Farm seek to create a well-designed development that is carefully integrated with its surroundings and delivers a range of benefits for both existing and future residents of Portishead.

The proposals are being developed in response to detailed technical work and a clear understanding of the site’s constraints and opportunities, including its landscape setting, relationship with Weston Big Wood, nearby schools and existing recreation facilities.

the Concept Plan aims to:

  • Maintain a 50m buffer corridor to protect Weston Big Wood (Ancient Woodland) to the south;

  • Promote a density of development which complements that of the local residential area and makes efficient use of land;

  • Ensure views to and from the east of the Site are not compromised;

  • Upgrade and improve existing facilities relating to education and the sports/play area;

  • Provide a higher density and lively centre around the key space and sports facilities;

  • Create green corridors and linkages around the development that integrate positively with the existing community as well as provide benefits to biodiversity;

  • Develop an ‘expansion’ strategy for existing High Down Junior and Infant Schools, subject to discussion with the Education Authority.

We have prepared an Illustrative Masterplan which shows one way in which the development could come forward, embracing the principles of the Concept Plan, to create a high quality, sustainable place for the future.

Concept plan (click to enlarge)

Illustrative Masterplan, showing one way in which the development could come forward (click to enlarge)

New Homes

The proposals include up to 400 new homes, helping to meet identified housing needs in North Somerset. A mix of housing types is envisaged, including family homes and some apartments, alongside a suitable proportion of affordable housing in line with North Somerset Council policy .

Development density has been carefully considered to ensure that new homes sit comfortably alongside existing neighbourhoods. Higher density development is proposed in central areas of the site, close to community facilities and public spaces, while lower density development is proposed along the southern and eastern edges where the site meets more sensitive landscape and environmental features.

This approach allows the site to make efficient use of land while responding appropriately to its context.

The exact layout of the site and the design of new homes and facilities would be determined at a subsequent Reserved Matters application, if Outline approval is granted.

Landscape Sensitive Masterplan

The masterplan for Tower Farm has been shaped by the site’s topography, long-distance views and existing landscape features. Rather than imposing a rigid layout, the proposals respond to the natural form of the land and the surrounding environment.

Key elements of the masterplan include:

  • A clear and sensitive edge to the south, where development is set back from Weston Big Wood with a 50m buffer zone proposed

  • A green wedge along the eastern boundary to protect the amenity of neighbouring homes at The Downs

  • A central “key space” providing a focus for community life and activity

  • A network of green corridors and pedestrian routes linking the site internally and to surrounding areas

Long-distance views towards the Gordano Valley and beyond are retained and enhanced where possible, with development positioned to avoid visually prominent or intrusive edge

Landscape Sensitive Masterplan (click to enlarge)

Protecting Weston Wood

Weston Big Wood lies immediately to the south of the Tower Farm site and is designated as Ancient Woodland, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI). The protection of this woodland is a key consideration and a fundamental principle of the emerging proposals.

To safeguard Weston Big Wood for the long term, a minimum 50 metre buffer is proposed between the woodland and any new development. No built development would take place within this buffer, which has been designed specifically to avoid adverse impacts on the woodland and its habitats .

The buffer incorporates:

  • Areas where no building would occur

  • Areas where ground disturbance would be avoided to protect tree roots and soil structure

  • New planting and landscape management designed to reinforce the woodland edge

This approach aligns with national planning policy and local guidance and is intended to ensure the continued health and integrity of Weston Big Wood over the long term.

Landscape character and visual impact

The site occupies an elevated position with views across the Gordano Valley, making landscape and visual considerations particularly important.

Along the eastern boundary of the site, a green wedge is proposed to protect the amenity of neighbouring homes at The Downs and to help soften views of development from the wider landscape. Development density has been reduced in this area, with increased planting and open space to create a sensitive transition between new homes and the countryside.

The masterplan also responds to:

  • Inward views into the site from across the valley

  • Outward views from the site towards the south-east

  • The need to create a softer, more defined settlement edge than currently exists

By carefully positioning development and using landscape features to frame views, the proposals seek to enhance the way Portishead is experienced from the surrounding countryside, rather than detract from it.

Biodiversity and nature recovery

The emerging proposals aim to deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain, ensuring that the quantity and quality of habitats on the site are improved compared to the current baseline.

This would be achieved through a combination of:

  • Retention and enhancement of the most valuable existing habitats

  • Creation of new habitats across the site, including woodland, grassland and wetland features

  • Provision of green corridors to support movement of species through the site

  • Long-term management and maintenance of habitats

Further ecological surveys will be undertaken as the proposals progress, and the detailed layout and design will be informed by their findings. Where necessary, additional mitigation measures would be incorporated to ensure compliance with local and national planning policy.

Merlin Park and recreation facilities

Part of the proposals is the opportunity to extend and enhance Merlin Park, providing improved recreation facilities for the wider community.

  • The emerging proposals include the potential to:

  • Extend the existing sports pitches eastwards to provide additional formal sports provision

  • Deliver an all-weather Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)

  • Improve and expand the existing play area into a high-quality facility for a range of age groups

  • Provide a new or improved sports pavilion and associated car parking, subject to further design work

The layout has been designed to ensure that more active recreation uses are sensitively located, with new allotments proposed to help create separation between play and sports facilities and nearby residential areas. The upgraded facilities would be linked to the wider green infrastructure network through walking and cycling routes.

The detail of these proposals will be informed by further engagement with the local community and relevant stakeholders as the plans progress.

Public open spaces and green infrastructure

In addition to Merlin Park, a significant proportion of the site would be dedicated to public open space and green infrastructure.

More than 10 hectares of land would be set aside for:

Woodland planting and natural landscape features

A new community park

Green corridors connecting different parts of the site

Walking and cycling routes for recreation and everyday journeys

These spaces are intended to support health and wellbeing, provide opportunities for informal recreation, and contribute to biodiversity and nature recovery across the site.

Education and High Down Schools

The site adjoins High Down Infant and Junior Schools, and the proposals include potential land to support the future needs of the school.

The emerging masterplan allows for the possible enlargement of the school site in a southerly direction, creating opportunities to:

  • Improve or extend existing school buildings

  • Enhance outdoor play and sports facilities

  • Provide a safer and more efficient drop-off and pick-up area

  • Reduce congestion and improve road safety on Down Road

Any changes would be subject to discussion and agreement with the Education Authority, school leadership and the local community. While current assessments indicate that local schools have capacity to accommodate pupils arising from the development, the proposals are designed to remain flexible should future education needs change.

Access and movement

Overview

The emerging proposals have been informed by detailed technical assessment of highways, walking, cycling and public transport connections. The aim is to ensure that the development can be accessed safely, functions well alongside the existing road network, and supports sustainable travel choices wherever possible.

Vehicular access and highways

Vehicular access to the site is proposed primarily via The Downs, using an upgraded junction on Down Road. This approach has been designed to provide safe and efficient access to the development while also improving the existing school environment nearby .

The proposals also allow for:

  • Improvements to the existing junction to manage traffic movements safely

  • A primary internal road loop to distribute traffic within the site

  • Emergency, pedestrian and cycle access via Tower Road

Subject to agreement with landowners, there is also potential for an additional access to the site from Valley Road to the west. This could provide greater flexibility in how traffic is managed and help distribute vehicle movements more evenly across the local network .

All access arrangements would be subject to further design development and assessment as the proposals progress.

School safety

The proximity of High Down Infant and Junior Schools means that traffic and road safety are particularly important considerations.

The proposals include the potential to improve the existing school environment by:

  • Supporting the relocation or reconfiguration of school drop-off and pick-up arrangements

  • Reducing congestion on Down Road at peak times

  • Improving safety for children, parents and staff travelling to and from the school

By integrating school access considerations into the overall site design, the proposals seek to address existing issues rather than exacerbate them, while ensuring that any changes are developed in discussion with the Education Authority and the local community .

Public transport and sustainable travel

The site benefits from existing bus services connecting Portishead with Bristol, Clevedon and Weston-super-Mare. The proposals have been designed to make use of these services and to support public transport use as part of everyday travel patterns.

Portishead is also expected to benefit from the reopening of the rail line to Bristol, with a new station anticipated to open in 2027. This represents a significant investment in sustainable transport and would provide residents with a direct rail connection to Bristol and beyond.

To support this, the proposals also explore the potential for:

  • Improved bus facilities

  • A bespoke shuttle bus service connecting the site with the future rail station

  • Measures to make public transport a convenient and attractive choice for residents

Walking and cycling

Tower Farm is well located in relation to existing neighbourhoods, schools and local facilities, making walking and cycling realistic and attractive options for many everyday journeys.

The emerging proposals include:

  • A network of safe and direct pedestrian and cycle routes through the site

  • Connections to existing public rights of way

  • Links to surrounding residential areas, schools and recreation facilities

These routes would be integrated with the wider green infrastructure network, providing pleasant and convenient connections for both commuting and leisure use.

Mobility Hub

·The emerging proposals include the potential to provide a mobility hub within the development. This could offer shared transport options and facilities designed to reduce reliance on private car ownership.

Depending on future demand, a mobility hub could include:

  • Cycle hire, including e-bikes

  • Car club vehicles

  • Cycle maintenance facilities

  • Improved bus stops or waiting areas

This approach reflects a wider ambition to create a development that supports sustainable travel choices over the long term and responds to changing patterns of mobility.

Parking

Parking provision for new homes would be provided on-site and designed in accordance with North Somerset Council standards. The aim is to ensure that parking needs are met without dominating the street environment or undermining the quality of public space.