North Somerset Council have plans to build a bypass of Banwell village, helping to reduce long-standing issues of traffic congestion whilst also cutting journey times.

In July 2022, a planning application for the bypass was submitted to the Local Planning Authority. This is now subject to a 16-week determination period, where the Local Planning Authority will decide whether the bypass can be built.

The planning application includes the proposed design of the bypass, as well as plans reduce impacts of the bypass on nearby villages and plans to improve roads in the area. It also includes new routes for walking, cycling and horse-riding and proposals to protect the local environment, including a bio-diversity net gain of up to 40%.

In order to build the bypass, North Somerset Council must acquire land along its proposed route.

Landowners impacted by the acquisition of land have been in discussion with North Somerset Council and, where possible, that land is being purchased by negotiation. However, in some cases, it will be purchased by Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

Statement of Case

The CPO that allows acquisition of land needed to build the bypass is due to be considered by the Secretary of State at a public inquiry expected to take place in the summer.

Ahead of this public inquiry, the council has published a Statement of Case. This document sets out full particulars of the case to be put forward at the inquiry and justifies the reasons for making the CPO. It also includes a list of documents which the council intends to refer to at the inquiry.

The Statement of Case is sent to all objectors to the CPO. It is also available online.

You may have questions about the CPO and SRO process. You can find out more about the CPO and SRO, including information that can help you to better understand your CPO and SRO papers, here.

You can also contact North Somerset Council at banwell.bypass@n-somerset.gov.uk or by calling 01934 888 888.

The Banwell bypass is being funded through Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund. You can read more about the bypass and access its planning application (ref: 22/P/1768/R3EIA) at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/banwellbypass    

General Vesting Declaration (GVD)

In April 2024, North Somerset Council executed the GVD. This is the legal instrument that begins compulsory purchase of land needed to build the Banwell bypass. The GVD documents are available to view in hard copy at Banwell Parish Council, the Campus Library and Weston-super-Mare library. They are also available to view online.