Portishead Town Council runs two drop-in sessions on 3 and 5 November to help residents comment on the 400-home Tower Farm plan. No appointment needed.

Portishead residents who want to comment on the plan for up to 400 homes at Tower Farm can get help doing it at two drop-in sessions at the Town Council offices next week.

Town councillors will be in the Fedden Room, 95 High Street, on:

  • Tuesday 3 November, 10.30am to 12.30pm
  • Thursday 5 November, 5.30pm to 7.30pm

No appointment is needed, and residents can turn up to whichever session suits them, the council said in a news release dated Monday 26 October.

What the sessions are for

The council says the sessions are a chance “to find out more about the application, ask questions, and receive assistance with submitting comments through the planning process.”

Councillors “will be on hand throughout the sessions to help residents understand the planning application, explain how to submit comments, and answer any questions they may have,” the release says.

“Whether residents have already reviewed the application or are looking for help understanding the process, everyone is welcome to attend.”

The application

The outline application, reference 26/P/1618/OUT, is from Parker Strategic Land Ltd and asks for up to 400 homes on Tower Road, beside Weston Big Wood, with the existing farm buildings demolished. When we read the council’s register on 27 October it showed 228 objections and one letter of support, and gave Wednesday 11 November as the consultation deadline. Our earlier report on the application sets out what is proposed and the key dates.

The Town Council’s own Portishead Down and Weston Big Wood page also gives 11 November as the closing date for comments. It carries the recording and slides from the public meeting on the wood held at Somerset Hall on Wednesday 21 October.

The Save Weston Big Wood public meeting at Somerset Hall, Portishead. Video: Portishead Town Council

The same page links the applicant side’s public consultation webinar on the scheme, run by the planning consultancy Turley.

Land at Tower Farm, Portishead: public consultation webinar. Video: Turley, via Vimeo

What it means for you

If you want your view counted, it has to go on the application itself.

  • Online: search for 26/P/1618/OUT on the North Somerset Council planning portal, click Make a Comment, then log in or register.
  • By post: write to Planning, North Somerset Council, Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1UJ, quoting the reference.
  • In person help: take your questions to the Fedden Room on 3 or 5 November.

Comments can support the scheme as well as object to it. For more information, the Town Council can be reached on 01275 847 078 or at info@portishead.gov.uk.