BANWELL BYPASS
It seems that after almost 100 years the Banwell Bypass might become a reality.
We will keep you updated with the latest news, below.
Monthly update
January 2025
The former police station at Towerhead is being considered as a wellbeing house. This facility would provide mental health support and respite care for up to five residents, operating on a Monday-to-Monday basis. A planning application has been submitted, with an initial one-year term and a possible extension for a further two years. The property is expected to be sold at the end of the Banwell Bypass project. If successful, CURO may consider retaining it, as they already operate a similar facility in Bath.
Bristol Water is continuing work on the mains water diversion. No road closures are planned in the next two to four weeks. East Street is due to be closed in the middle of February..
Galliford Try continues to construct temporary compounds for the bypass. Archaeological investigations are ongoing and are expected to continue until February/March, with no significant findings reported to date. Hedge planting is continuing to progress.
Sam Landrigan has joined as the new Communications Officer on behalf of Galiford Try for the project. Galliford Try's Banwell Bypass social media platform is scheduled to go live by the end of January, providing updates and information to the community. "Meet the Contractor" dates are being suggested for April or May.
December 2024
Galliford Try continues constructing temporary compounds for the Banwell Bypass. Archaeological investigations are ongoing and are expected to continue until February; so far, no significant findings have been reported. There may be delays in presenting related documents to the Full Council in the New Year. Additionally, Bristol Water has commenced mains water diversion work, which will result in further road closures.
November 2024
Vegetation clearance has been completed, and a temporary compound on Knightcott Road has been constructed. Archaeological work is nearing completion, with conditions currently being discharged. The construction of the haul road has been delayed until January. There are concerns about budget constraints, but the team are working to minimise its impact. The full construction contract is expected to be presented to the North Somerset Council Full Council in January. Photos documenting the process will be published on the North Somerset website.
New Bypass Contractor Announced
North Somerset Council have entered into a new contract to deliver the Banwell bypass with Galliford Try. The contract follows months of hard work and negotiations after the original project contractors – Alun Griffiths Contractors Ltd – told the council that they could no longer deliver the scheme. Since then, North Somerset Council have demonstrated their continued commitment to the Banwell bypass by starting environmental enabling works needed to prepare the area for eventual construction.
Galliford Try’s first task will be the completion of preparatory works and any remaining detailed design to discharge remaining planning conditions. The contract with Galliford Try is in two stages. The first stage includes preparatory works and detailed design and the second includes main construction. North Somerset Council will take a decision on proceeding with the second stage of the contract at Full Council in January.
To read more about the Banwell bypass, visit n-somerset.gov.uk/banwellbypass
Compulsory Purchases Orders granted for Banwell bypass
The Department for Transport has written to North Somerset Council to confirm the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) needed to build the Banwell bypass. This follows a public inquiry into the use of CPOs, held over the summer of 2023. At the inquiry, interested parties, including the council, presented evidence for and against the use of CPOs. An independent inspector leading the public inquiry then presented evidence to the Secretary of State for Transport, helping inform the decision to grant the use of CPO powers.
CPOs will be used to purchase land needed to build the bypass for cases where it could not be purchased by negotiation. The Banwell bypass is funded through Homes England’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (see below). You can read more about the Banwell bypass on North Somerset Council's Banwell Bypass page
Filling the Funding Gap
The Banwell bypass has received additional government funding through Homes England following negotiations led by North Somerset Council. The council reported that unprecedented inflationary pressures and the rising price of energy and building materials were pushing up delivery costs for the project.
North Somerset Council unanimously agreed an additional £11.9m of funding at their Full Council meeting in July 2022. This decision has been boosted by agreement from Homes England to close the remaining funding gap and extend the funding window through to March 2026.
Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said:
“It’s superb news that Homes England have strengthened their ongoing support with further funding to help us build the Banwell bypass. This is a strong endorsement of our flagship scheme and everything it can offer our communities. Banwell bypass is set to cut congestion through Banwell whilst unlocking land for future development, providing the infrastructure needed to support growth in our area. It’s also set to deliver miles of new walking, cycling and horse-riding paths, as well as improvements to biodiversity and local habitats. We’re grateful for Homes England and Government support for the Banwell bypass. The additional funding helps us continue our hard work to build the scheme.”
Find out more about the Banwell bypass on North Somerset Council's Banwell Bypass page.
Banwell Bypass Planning Applications
The Banwell Bypass planning application reference is 22/P/1768/R3EIA.
To view all related planning application documents, please search this reference code on the North Somerset Council Planning Applications page.
Proposed Route
Over the years there have been many routes considered for the Banwell Bypass. In 2022, one route was selected and consulted on. The consultation booklets and bypass plans from the 2022 consultation are available to read online.
Below is an indicative map of the proposed route.
Below is an outline timetable for the process. This will be updated as we get more information.
Key Milestones
1. Council grant decision - June 2020.
2. Procuremnet plan approvals - Summer 2020.
3. Signing grant agreement - August 2020.
4. Begin advanced surveys - August 2020.
5. Appoint designers - April 2021.
6. Design optioneering - Spring/Summer 2021
7. Six- week public consultation on options - July 5th until August 16th 2021
8. Decision made on preferred bypass route - Late Summer 2021. Route 2 selected. Click here for press release
9. Detailed design of preferred bypass route - Autumn / Winter 2021.
10. Pre planning application consultation on bypass design -10 March to 22 April 2022*7. Six- week public consultation on options - July 5th until August 16th 2021
11. Planning application submission - July 2022 Consulation ends 27th August APPROVED
12. CPO (Compulsory Purchase Order) Public Inquiry - Summer 2023 July 11th APPROVED
13. Expected start on site to begin environemental mitigation - Spring 2024
14. August 2024, Design Contract to be signed
15. January 2025, Build Contract to be signed
16. Expected start on site to begin build - January 2025
17. Open to Traffic - Summer / Autumn 2026.