Consultation on development in Somerset

Somerset Council is asking residents and businesses to help shape the future of Somerset by having a say on how best to create places that put people at the heart of its design.

A public consultation has been launched on a set of outline “principles” that are designed to steer new development in Somerset. These should guide developers towards creating attractive and high-quality environments, but also inclusive and accessible places for all, regardless of age, gender, mobility, or background, where people enjoy living.

The principles should lead to high quality development and offer substantial benefit to people in Somerset by:

• improving air quality;
• reducing carbon footprints;
• creating safe and easy access to schools; and
• places that are more resilient to the impacts of climate change while protecting and enhancing nature and wildlife.

Creating connected, safe and healthy places will also help to improve quality of life and wellbeing.

What do you want to see from new development?

What makes a high-quality place? Which benefits matter most to you? How can we best ensure that new development enables people to realise these benefits?

• The consultation is open until 16 October. To have your say, click here.

Paper copies containing further information and the online survey questions will also be available at the following locations:

• Bridgwater House, Bridgwater, TA6 3AR (Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 5pm)
• Council Offices, Cannard’s Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm)
• Petters Way Council Offices, Yeovil, BA20 1AS (Monday to Tuesday and Thursday to Friday 9am to 4pm; first Wednesday of the month 11am to 4pm; and every other Wednesday, 9am to 4pm)
• Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, TA1 1HE (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm)
• West Somerset House, 20 Fore Street, Williton, TA4 4QA (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm)
• County Hall, Taunton, TA1 4DY (Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm; Saturday 9am to 4pm)
• Libraries including: Taunton, Minehead, Frome, Bridgwater, Yeovil and Glastonbury

Alternatively, you can respond by email to localplanningpolicy@somerset.gov.uk or by posting a response to:

Planning Policy
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY

These principles will inform the development of Somerset’s new Local Transport Plan, new Local Plan, and overall approach to transport planning, development management (consideration of planning proposals) and other relevant policies and plans.

Somerset Council is keen to hear from as many people as possible – individuals, community and voluntary groups, businesses, transport providers, landowners, and city, town and parish councils, as well as developers and their agents.