North Somerset Council has confirmed 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.

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Councillor Mike Bell, Leader of North Somerset Council, said: "The Banwell bypass was first proposed all the way back in 1927, so this brilliant news marks a truly historic day for North Somerset. Now we have the green light use CPOs, we’re able to acquire the land, get on site and start building.

"Not only will the Banwell bypass ease longstanding traffic issues in Banwell village, it will better connect communities by cutting journey times for those travelling between Weston-super-Mare and the A38.

"I'd like to thank everyone who has helped us on our journey so far, including those who shared their views in consultation and shaped the bypass design, along with the design of miles of walking, cycling and horse-riding tracks. I'd also like to thank John Penrose MP for his continued support for this important project.

"In the coming weeks we will begin environmental works, readying the area for construction set to start in the spring. The bypass also includes new ponds, woodland and wetland and our contractor, Alun Griffiths, are innovating to cut construction’s carbon footprint."