Fencing appears around Keynsham field destined for 70 homes

High fencing has been put up along the boundary of a field in Keynsham set for 70 new homes - as developer Taylor Wimpey provided an update on the scheme. Plans for the homes on the land off Minsmere Road on the Chandag estate were controversially given outline approval by Bath and North East Somerset in November.

Despite the planning application attracting 265 objections, planning committee councillors approved the development ‘through gritted teeth’ after being warned they could face an expensive appeal if they rejected it. They were concerned over the impact on biodiversity at the site, which is next to Manor Road Community Woodland nature reserve.

Now, four months on from the approval, fencing has been installed around the field - although access is still allowed along a footpath across the field which links Minsmere Road and the nature reserve. Taylor Wimpey has also launched a page on its website on the development. The scheme will be a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes with 30% affordable, says the company.

It adds: “This will provide an excellent choice for all buyers, from working professionals and young couples to growing families or downsizers.”

BristolWorld asked Taylor Wimpey for a timeline on the development. It said it was in the ‘process of preparing a detailed proposal for the site’, adding this will be submitted for final approval in the Spring this year. No estimated date was given for starting work, or opening of the estate.

Intially, the developer had planned for 80 homes at the site - but this was reduced after a public consultation, with concerns including the impact on traffic. On its website, Taylor Wimpey said the nature reserve would be unaffected by the homes and said the footpath would remain in place.

As well as providing £130,000 for improvements to the nature reserve, Taylor Wimpey will be investing £1.5m into public transport and liveable neighbourhoods.