Without a proactive and 'managed' approach to residential development and reconsideration of the Green Belt boundaries the overarching strategic goals of the Core Strategy in relation to Nailsea are unachievable and therefore the aspirations will be unrealistic and undeliverable. The real risk is that rather than Nailsea prospering during the period covered by the Core Strategy, it will in fact atrophy.

An analysis of demographic changes in Nailsea from 1991-2009 has identified important trends. These can be seen at Appendix 1 and 2.

The rationale for increasing housing provision to provide a more balanced approach to age structure of the settlement is understood, however this must be provided alongside an appropriate level of employment opportunities including provision for new employers to the town and not just supporting existing companies which the current text indicates. It is not clear how the aim will be delivered.

Disagree that new development in Nailsea should be restricted to addressing local housing need. Cavanna Homes consider that greater emphasis should be given to securing new housing and employment development in order to seize sustainable development opportunities, fulfil its role as a market town and meet demands for growth that exist throughout North Somerset. This is in accordance with Development Policy B of the Proposed changes to the Draft RSS (July 2008).

We agree that community service provision in Nailsea should grow at a scale commensurate with the needs of the local population, as this will help to increase its self-containment and allow the settlement to fulfil its role as a local service centre. We agree that new development at Nailsea should be focused on addressing housing need.

In order to achieve the Vision of a 'thriving, prosperous settlement and local service centre', the Council should encourage appropriate scales of development. In particular, we agree that opportunities for redevelopment of the town centre should be harnessed.