Proposed new homes at Frog Lane, Coalpit Heath

Introduction

Overview of the proposals

Site Analysis

Topography

Hydrology and Water Features

Ecology and Flora

Community Benefits

Heritage

Introduction

Edward Ware Homes Ltd. is bringing forward early proposals for a contemporary, sustainable new neighbourhood at Frog Lane, Coalpit Heath.

Following a pre-application submission to South Gloucestershire Council in December 2025, the project team is now consulting on updated proposals prior to submitting an outline planning application.

This is an aerial photograph of the area to the north east of Coalpit Heath, with the development site boundary shown by a red line.

Aerial view of the Frog Lane site with boundary shown in red

Overview of the proposals

Frog Lane Farm will be a contemporary, sustainable neighbourhood that supports low carbon living and makes a meaningful contribution to South Gloucestershire’s housing needs. Designed around people, nature and everyday life, it will be a thriving and inclusive place that prioritises active travel and strong connections to its surroundings.

A comprehensive masterplan including complementary land uses and a package of transport measures that will be proposed off-site, will enable the development to integrate holistically with both the existing settlement edge of Coalpit Heath and, should it come forward, the adjacent Bloor application proposals to the south at Land East of Roundways. The eastern edge of the Site will form a clear and sensitive transition between development and landscape, carefully balancing community, wildlife and nature.

The proposed development comprises up to 900 new homes, c.50% of which will be affordable, together with a mix of other uses. The scheme features a range of community benefits, including:

A new local centre, including commercial and community spaces, serving both the development and wider residents
Delivery of a new two form entry primary school with Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and nursery school
Community parkland with areas for play, a Sports Hub and associated pitches, a forest school and allotments
Existing natural features, which will be preserved and enhanced, with habitats carefully managed to boost biodiversity.
The opportunity for the 'Land East of Roundways' (Bloor Homes) application to exit through this site, via the roundabout on Badminton Road, which will help to reduce local traffic, particularly on Roundways, Rose Oak Lane and Woodside, as well as away from the Manor C of E Primary school.

Illustrative Aerial Perspective

This is an aerial photograph of Coalpit Heath showing Bristol to the south. The site area in the foreground of the image is annotated to show key features of the proposed development.,

Illustrative Aerial Persepective Key

This is the key for the aerial perspective image highlighting key features of the proposed development and the surrounding area

Site Analysis

The site has been assessed by a multidisciplinary team of technical consultants to understand potential physical constraints and opportunities. The framework masterplan has been developed in response, ensuring a robust and resilient structure to guide future development.

This is a plan of the site area, showing Coalpit Heath to the west. The plan is annotated to highlight the key constraints of and opportunities for developing the site.

Constraints and opportunities plan

View towards Grade II listed Mayshill Farm

This photograph shows Terrain high points and existing trees which feature in the proposals as 'visual anchors'

Terrain high points and trees as 'visual anchors'

This photograph shows a linear ditch feature on the development site which discharges into tributary leading to the River Frome

Linear ditch feature discharging into tributary leading to the River Frome

Topography

The site has a gently undulating topography punctuated by three distinct hilltops at 70, 74 and 75m AOD (height above sea level).

The high point of 75m immediately west of Frog Lane Farm extends southwest to a plateau of land within adjoining (Bloor Homes) Land.
Land falls away north and eastwards towards Frog Lane and low-lying land beyond.
A ridge of high ground lies around 2km east of the Site running from Westerleigh to Pucklechurch.
Land rises gently north beyond Badminton Road toward Mayshill Farm, which is sited at a height at 66m AOD. (above sea level)

NB In construction, AOD stands for Above Ordnance Datum, representing a fixed, absolute vertical datum level used to measure the height of buildings and land relative to mean sea level. Unlike relative ground levels, AOD provides a consistent, standardised, and precise elevation, essential for site planning and understanding building impact on the skyline.

Hydrology and Water Features

A network of ditches traverses the site conveying surface water from the fields to a tributary of the River Frome, which flows around the Site to the east and north of Frog Lane.
Surface water flowing from adjoining Bloor Homes land is culverted across the south of the site connecting to the Frome tributary beyond the Site boundary.
Areas of low-lying land east of Frog Lane and south of Frog Lane Farm are susceptible to surface water flooding.
Land north of Frog Lane (beyond the proposed development area), is at risk of fluvial flooding.

Ecology and Flora

Four trees with potential for bat roosting have been identified within the site; typically at or near the site boundary. The existing farm buildings also have bat roost potential.
Dormice are confirmed as present on site and mitigation measures will include new and enhanced habitat features.
An existing linear ditch feature east of Frog Lane has significant potential for ecological enhancement when taken out of agricultural use.
Hedgerows, which are of varying quality, should be prioritised for retention and ecological enhancement through diversification of planting.
Mature tree groupings of native deciduous trees are located along several site boundaries; a small grouping encloses a small green space west of Frog Lane Farm.
Several, solitary mature oak trees are sited within existing hedgerows providing visual anchors. Two solitary oak trees east of Frog lane reveal the alignment of a former field boundary.
Areas of new woodland planting punctuate the landscape south to northeast of the site. Linear woodland features track existing and former railway lines.

Community Benefits

The scheme is designed around people, nature and everyday life and features a range of community benefits, including:

Promote a sense of community between both existing and new residents.
900 new homes for families, starter homes, apartments and downsizing properties. 50% of homes will be affordable.
Over 45% green infrastructure, comprising Community Parklands, meadows, play spaces, allotments, community orchards and connected green corridors.
5% will be available for self/custom build for those who want to build or fit out their own home.
Carbon reduction masterplan strategies with nature based solutions.
Provision of new homes in a sustainable location accessible by sustainable transport.
Decarbonising travel by providing active routes connecting the A432 cycle network, the strategic transport corridor and the wider national cycle network.
Biodiversity improvements to include new woodland planting, improved wildlife corridors, as well as providing biodiversity net gain.
Mixed use hub to include employment space, community café or retail.
Low carbon development with highly energy efficient homes and on-site renewable energy generation.
Delivery of a primary school and sports hub.

Community Benefits

Heritage

The site in Coalpit Heath, as the place name suggests, is steeped in coal mining history. The Dramway, once used to convey coal on horse-drawn wagons, passes through the scheduled monument of Ram Hill Colliery 0.5 km southwest of the Site. Substantial wooded areas and tree lines running east of the Site reveal the alignment of the former mineral line railway serving Frog Lane Colliery. The colliery was located several hundred metres north of the development area at the Danco site.

There are several Grade II listed buildings beyond the site boundary including:

Mayshill Farm, a hall and house of C15 & C18 origin respectively, lies 300m north of the Site commanding views of it’s hilltops.
Rose Oak Farm is of C17 origin and lies 180m west of the Site on Rose Oak Lane.
Sayscourt Farmhouse is of C17 origin sited 500m northeast of the Site is substantially screened from the development area by woodland.
Other listed buildings include the Ring O Bells, New Inn and Manor Hall.

Heritage map

This is an historic map of Coalpit Heath, which has been annotated to show local historical features including listed buildings, The Dramway, former colliery sites, and farmhouses

Heritage map key

This is the legend accompanying the Heritage map

Design Considerations

Well-placed interpretation boards along walking routes through the proposed Community Parklands and the Frog Lane corridor will highlight the historical links between the former mineral railway lines, the historic Dramway, and the former Frog Lane Colliery site.

Wayfinding markers (fingerposts) will be introduced at pedestrian gateway points into the site. These will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the area’s mining heritage for passers-by using Frog Lane and moving through the wider network of open spaces.