Mendip District Council is consulting on a pre-submission draft of the Local Plan part two, until 12th February. This is the formal stage of consultation before the plan is submitted for examination by the Secretary of State.
The Local Plan was adopted in December 2014. Part two proposes additional housing and employment sites to meet its requirements. Part two takes into account the issues and options under consultation last year.
The plan identifies sites which have a potential to deliver around 1,500 dwellings over the remaining plan period to 2029.
Phase two follows the principles of the strategic plan to direct growth to Mendip’s towns and larger villages. It also identifies existing and additional local green spaces to be protected from development. Other policies give greater recognition to existing employment and commercial areas and possible locations for future growth.
Cllr Nigel Woollcombe-Adams, portfolio holder for planning, growth and housing services said, “This consultation offers residents the chance to feed into part two before it is submitted.
“The Local Plan is an important document shaping the future of our district and I would encourage people to engage with the consultation to ensure this plan is responsive to the needs of the communities across the district.”
As part of the consultation Mendip District Council is also asking for comments on a new ‘exception’ policy which would allow single self and custom build dwellings for households with a local connection to a village.
The pre-submission Local Plan part two and supporting documents can be viewed at www.mendip .gov.uk/localplanpart2 or by visiting the council offices at the Shape Mendip Hub, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5BT or one of the Council Access Points (CAPs) in Frome, Glastonbury, Street and Wells.
Comments are invited until 12th February and should made on the dedicated response form, which is available online and in hard copy from the council offices or CAPs. Forms should be returned to; Planning Policy, Mendip District Council, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5BT or email planningpolicy@ mendip.gov.uk or by hand at the council offices or CAPs.
For further information or advice, please contact the planning policy team by email at planningpolicy@ mendip.gov.uk or by telephone on (0300) 303 8588.
