By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby
Somerset residents and businesses have their first opportunity to give their views on the new Local Plan which will shape future of their county.
Decisions on new housing, employment facilities and other planning matters in Somerset are currently taken on the basis of the existing Local Plans inherited from the former district councils, which were abolished and replaced with Somerset Council in April 2023.
The council recently concluded a ‘call for sites’ for the new Somerset-wide Local Plan, with landowners, developers and land promoters putting forward sites which could help to meet rising government housing targets up to 2045.
The council has now launched the first round of public consultation on the new Local Plan, kicking off a process which will not conclude until the spring of 2029.
This initial round of consultation deals with the overall strategic scope of the Local Plan, rather than asking for residents’ views on specific site allocated for residential or commercial development.
The council will be asking for people’s views on the scope of the Local Plan, including broad ideas about what should and should not be included, the engagement plan setting out how residents and local groups will be consulted at later stages of the process, and the vision and outcomes for what the Local Plan should achieve for Somerset.
The consultation will also invite views on “spacial strategy” (looking at where development could go across Somerset) and how the sustainability of towns and villages is measured in terms of their local facilities.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, said, “Please get involved in the consultation – we want to hear from people how they would like Somerset to evolve.
“This is just the first step in development of the Local Plan. People’s thoughts will help ensure we build a Plan covering the right issues, around a vision that people can get behind and focus new development in the right places.
“It’s important to stress that this consultation is not about specific sites, and no sites are proposed at this stage.”
To take part in the initial consultation, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/planning/local-plan-scoping-consultation-2026 before 24th July.
A summary of the consultation responses will be published in early-November, with the second round of consultation (including more details of proposed development sites) expected to begin in September 2027.
The third and final round of public consultation is currently scheduled to be held in March 2028, after which the Local Plan will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (which may hold additional public hearings if it is deemed to be necessary).
If all goes smoothly, the new Local Plan will be formally adopted on 16th March 2029.
Pictured: Councillor Mike Rigby
