A new development of 150 homes has been approved on the outskirts of Nailsea — despite fears residents of the homes could be “cut off” by flooding.

The major development will be located on the north western edge, of Hanham Way. The homes will be low carbon gas free homes, and two thirds of the site will be green space for locals to use.

But vehicular access to the site will be through a single road, running through a reworked junction with Watery Lane, prompting two of Nailsea’s local councillors to warn it could be “cut off” by flooding.

At North Somerset Council’s planning committee on February 19, Vestry’s planning consultant Jemma Shurrock said the site would have a pedestrian and cycle path to the north, specifically included so there was an emergency exit in case of fire or flooding. But Mr Ellis said this was a “safety issue.”

Mike Bird (Nailsea Yeo, Independent) said: “With climate change upon us and large increases in rain, flooding at the proposed junction could become more and more regular - completely cutting off residents in this site. The development therefore needs a full width second entrance.”

But the meeting was told Watery Lane has a low hazard rating for flooding as the water does not usually pool. A council officer said: “The depth of water doesn’t usually get above 150mm. If there’s a significant issue because of the depth of water, it’s likely that emergency services could drive through it.”

Barry Stirling, who has lived in Nailsea for 40 years, said: “The proposal will be just another bolt on development to the edge of Nailsea which brings nothing positive, just more strain on the already overstretched infrastructure.”

But Ms Shurrock said: “There is an ongoing housing crisis in the UK and a five year housing land supply shortage in the district.”