The more sustainable approach to development in the rural areas should make provision for significant housing growth to help build in 'sustainability' ie to ensure continuing demand for schools, post offices,shops, pubs etc. Without balanced private housing growth, the aspiration for growth of employment and particularly services and facilities will not be credible.

Chapter 4 - Area Policies: Backwell Parish Council support the aims and are happy that Backwell is classed as a service village. The emphasis on employment in Nailsea and keeping the green open space is also a priority.

Development on even the smallest scale is over development and unsuitable use of Green Belt land. It is fully in agreement with Area Policy CS32, Service village/pages 149/150. Boundaries of service villages should be protected and development in gardens of large properties should be resisted.

I am shocked that you are prepared to stand by and allow the Hillyfields/Well Close site be promoted for this type of development when other potential available sites have not been properly assessed or investigated. No sites outside the village boundary and in the AONB should be considered for development at all for any purpose.

I broadly support this strategy. With respect to Congresbury, the vacant site of the former Elliott's works presents a 'one-off' development opportunity within the settlement boundary for a mixed employment and residential site. Congresbury Parish Council supported my outline suggestions for the site (attached) and we have also had positive feedback from several residents.

The siting of affordable housing schemes in Service Villages needs to be clarified. Residents of the Service Villages need to be consulted about your plans to focus development there.