Despite the hustle and bustle of urban life, two quaint Somerset villages are on a mission to safeguard their future. Despite being a stone’s throw away from Bristol, just 3 miles east of the Neighbourhood Plan Area boundary, and in close proximity to Bristol Airport about 5 miles to the south, Wraxall and Failand villages remain a rural haven.
With the M5 skirting the area to the north-west and Junction 19 a mere 3 miles from its northern tip, connectivity is not an issue for Wraxall & Failand. Yet, the region retains its bucolic charm thanks to its sprawling countryside, sparse development, and the protection afforded by its Green Belt status.
It’s this unique combination of accessibility and pastoral tranquillity that draws residents who work locally but crave the serenity of country living within easy reach of urban amenities.
This idyllic retreat has served as a rural “bolthole” for over a century, harking back to the days when Bristolians would escape the city via horse and carriage to their holiday homes along the Failand Triangle. Known historically as the Sixty Acres Plantation, the early 1900s saw the rise of these leisure residences along the road frontages, offering city dwellers a respite in the countryside.
The heart of the triangle has always been preserved as a green space, with elongated plots linked to the roadside properties maintaining the area’s verdant character.
Failand Triangle, home to approximately 350 houses, offers limited services. The local amenities include the Failand Village Hall, Failand Inn, Failand Car Sales, and Honey and Ginger shop and cafe, all situated along the B3128.
Despite not having a primary school, the area recently saw the addition of a new play area next to the village hall, thanks to secured funding.
However, accessibility issues persist with the bus stops along the B3128, as those heading towards Bristol are inconveniently located on the opposite side of the road from most residences.
The vision for the Wraxall and Failand Neighbourhood Plan was initially conceived by a Steering Group and has been well-received at subsequent consultation events. The vision states: “Wraxall and Failand will continue to seek protection and enhancement of the area’s rural character, maintaining and improving access to the Green Belt to promote healthy lifestyles, and bringing the community together through the provision and improvement of local services and engagement with local residents. By 2039, the Parish will have built upon its existing distinctiveness to deliver the type of places that allow people of all backgrounds to live, play and work peacefully in the Parish.
“It is clear from the consultation activities carried out and the responses received that Wraxall and Failand is a popular place to live and is highly valued for its close links to Bristol, Nailsea and the M5, combined with its unspoilt built and natural environment. The Neighbourhood Plan Area has a unique character being so well connected and yet remaining rural, green, tranquil and safe.”
The plan goes on to stress: “It is important that any future plans for the Neighbourhood Plan Area seek to protect and enhance the existing, important character of Wraxall and Failand, both for existing residents and for future generations. Community Cohesion and Infrastructure There are parts of the Neighbourhood Plan Area that suffer from a lack of facilities and focus for activities, which results in community cohesion being lost.”
Residents contend that Wraxall village is split by the B3130, impeding access between key locations such as The Grove, the Primary School, Wraxall Church, Tower House Lane, and The Elms. Over at Failand Triangle, the lack of pedestrian routes to play areas or schools poses a challenge, further exasperated as the popular Failand Village Hall remains isolated due to the B3128 severing it from homes and northern lands.
Adding to the woes of locals, traffic congestion continues to mount along the Neighbourhood Plan Area’s pathways, mainly attributed to Nailsea’s residential expansion.
Wraxall and Failand Parish Council have been diligently addressing community challenges, having secured crucial dialogue and funds to initiate a range of key developments:.
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The creation of a footpath between The Grove and Wraxall Primary School, now complete.
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Engaging in ongoing talks regarding the future of the former Battleaxes pub for community benefit.
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Plans for a pedestrian crossing along the B3128, which will safely connect Failand Triangle residents and Honey and Ginger Farm Shop and Cafe patrons to Lower Failand, the village hall, and nearby bus stops.
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The establishment of a new play area for children within the village hall grounds, inaugurated in 2023.
These enhancements are aimed at establishing sustainable “hubs” to attract young families and enrich the lives of existing residents in the Neighbourhood Plan Area.
To achieve their long-term vision for the Neighbourhood Plan Area, the council has outlined the following overarching goals:.
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Safeguarding and bolstering the Green Belt.
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Preserving and improving essential local facilities and green spaces.
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Ensuring growth is well-managed and, where possible, accompanying it with sufficient strategic and local infrastructure.
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Encouraging high-quality, locally distinctive designs that complement the areas character rather than challenging it.
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Supporting the development and diversification of local businesses, provision of homes for locals, and small-scale renewable energy initiatives.
However, it’s recognised that this Neighbourhood Plan has been developed against the backdrop of an emerging Local Plan, which is still in its early stages. The overall vision, objectives and policies of this Neighbourhood Plan emphasise improving local connections and services.
In recent years, the area has seen both commendable and poor examples of new development design, similar to surrounding neighbourhood plan areas within North Somerset. Specific concerns have been raised about proposed residential extensions within the Failand Triangle, where new developments are deemed not to blend well with the existing character and vernacular of the settlement.
It was agreed with officials that current evidence suggests there isn’t a significant need for affordable housing within the Neighbourhood Plan Area.