Project background and history

In 2019, North Somerset Council secured funding from Homes England to build a long-awaited road bypass of Banwell village. 

This was followed by two rounds of public consultation in 2021 and 2022 which helped to shape the bypass’ design. Then in March 2023, planning permission was granted for the bypass.

In January 2024, the Secretary of State for Transport confirmed the Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) needed to acquire the land to build the bypass. 

Withdrawal of Alun Griffiths

In March 2024, Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd told North Somerset Council that they would no longer build the Banwell bypass. 

Despite this unexpected challenge, North Somerset Council restarted the environmental enabling works needed to build the bypass in April 2024. 

New contractor appointed

In September 2024, North Somerset Council entered into a new contract to deliver the Banwell bypass with Galliford Try. 

The contract with Galliford Try is in two stages. The first stage included preparatory works and detailed design and the second includes main construction.

In March 2025, North Somerset Council secured an additional £9.7m in government funding for the bypass, overcoming challenges created by Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd’s decision to pull out of the scheme. At April 2025’s Full Council meeting councillors agreed to proceed with the second stage of the contract with Galliford Try allowing main construction to begin. 

Consultations

Over 1,660 residents and local organisations responded to two public consultations. These informed the design of the bypass included in the planning application.

Consultation one

Our first public consultation took place in summer 2021. We asked for your views on the proposed bypass route and any other issues to be considered in design. This included possible enhancements to the local area, and measures to reduce impacts of the bypass.

Consultation two

Our second public consultation took place in Spring 2022. The consultation asked for your feedback on

• our progress with the design of the bypass
• the proposed changes and enhancements to nearby roads and villages

The Banwell bypass planning application was also subject to two periods of statutory consultation. The responses were considered by planners, and recommendations were made to the Planning and Regulatory Committee in March 2023.

Planning application

The planning application for the Banwell bypass was submitted to the Local Planning Authority (LPA) in July 2022. It was then determined at the Planning and Regulatory Committee in March 2023, where the scheme was granted permission to proceed.

The planning application includes:

• the Banwell bypass itself
• placemaking measures in Banwell village
• measures to mitigate identified impacts of the scheme in the local area

Mitigation measures are part of the planning consent and will be delivered ahead of the bypass opening.

Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)

To build the Banwell bypass, we needed purchase land along the new road’s route.

When we cannot buy the land through negotiation with the owner on a major scheme, it will be acquired through Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO).

A public inquiry into the Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) and Side Road Order (SRO) began on Tuesday 11 July 2023 at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare. The inquiry was open to the public and the independent inspector heard evidence from both supporters and objectors. 

In January 2024, the Secretary of State for Transport wrote to North Somerset Council to confirm the CPOs. This was based on recommendations put forward following the inquiry. 

You can find all documents relating to the CPO on our dedicated website. 

Check our local issues webpage for more information regarding concerns around the project, issues affecting the local community, and answers to key project questions. 

• Banwell has suffered long standing impacts of traffic congestion for generations. The long-awaited bypass will reduce traffic through the village by up to 78% (in opening year). It will make the roads safer, air cleaner and the village quieter. It will also improve access for people travelling all across North Somerset.
• When it opens, the bypass is projected to reduce eastbound morning rush hour journey times by 7 minutes. This is along the route between the A371 Summer Lane and A368 Towerhead.
• We expect that the new bypass will increase the number of vehicles travelling through the area at peak times. However, we plan to make improvements to traffic management and traffic flow to help reduce any negative impacts.
• We have developed measures to reduce the impact of increased traffic. 
  • This includes:
    • keeping traffic moving at steady speeds to reduce congestion and cut emissions from idling
    • introducing safer 20mph zones in key pedestrian areas
    • traffic calming measures so drivers know when to check their speed
• We’re also providing miles of shared use path for walkers, cyclists, and horse-riders, so that residents can feel confident getting around. Once complete, you will be able to safely travel from Weston-super-Mare to Sandford by foot, bike, or in the saddle. This will offer our communities the opportunity for greener travel, improving the future of North Somerset
• The scheme will also it will also provide nine new pedestrian crossings in nearby villages
• We will also be linking up with the Strawberry Line, creating better connectivity for our walkers, cyclists and horse riders