The Proposal

The New Woodlands Garden Community application on the Woodlands Golf Course site, off Trench Lane, is open for public comment until 7 September 2026. South Gloucestershire Council is being asked to approve the principle of this major development.

At a glance

Plans also include a primary school and nursery, local centre, healthcare and community facilities, sports facilities, new roads, drainage, open space and an active-travel link across the M4.

What is being decided now?

This is an outline planning application. Many houses, buildings and streets have not yet been designed. The Council is being asked to decide whether development on this scale is acceptable in principle and to approve key parameters for later proposals.

Is this site suitable for development?

In December 2023, the Council identified unresolved concerns including on-site contamination from landfill, flood risk, the need for major transport interventions and high infrastructure costs. It questioned whether these costs could affect delivery of infrastructure, services and affordable housing, and said further evidence was needed on viability and deliverability.

Timing of the application

The application was submitted before South Gloucestershire’s new Local Plan was adopted. The site is currently Green Belt, while the emerging Local Plan proposes parts as Grey Belt to permit some development. Residents have a limited period in which to review a large and complex application.