A HUGE development of 200 homes could soon be built next to an unusually triangular Somerset village.

Failand stands out on a map. The 350 homes which make up the village fill up a perfect triangle between the Clevedon Road, Weston Road, and Flax Bourton Road.

But now a major planning application has been submitted which could see the village spread beyond its distinctive shape.

Developers Hill Residential have submitted plans to North Somerset Council to build up to 200 homes on the field west of Flax Bourton Road.

In documents submitted with the application, the developers said: “This is an opportunity to create a connected and inclusive place at the edge of Failand, one that strengthens the village from within, promotes active travel, and responds meaningfully to its local context and community needs.”

The triangle which today makes up the bulk of Failand was originally the Sixty Acre Plantation, but development around the edges began in the postwar period, with the interior of the “Failand Triangle” beginning to be filled out from the 1970s onwards. But development has not spread beyond the triangle as it is surrounded by the green belt.

But the developers say the site should be considered “grey belt,” a term introduced in the Labour government’s planning reforms for lower quality green belt land which can be built on.

One local lodging an objection to the plans said that calling the site grey belt was “disingenuous.” They added: “Failand is a rural village with a strong sense of community and a peaceful, village-centred way of life...Once lost, the character and charm that makes Failand so special cannot be regained.”

In total, nine people have lodged objections to the plans.

Plans can be viewed here: planning.n-somerset.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=T7CZQILPMF000