Introduction
Work to date has been focussed on producing evidence base, early engagement exercises and a Call for Sites. Local Plan update reports are presented to the Planning and Transport Sub-Committee of the Executive. These provide detail on work that has taken place so far.
Evidence base
As evidence base is completed, reports will be added.
Completed evidence base:
- Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA) and Appendices 1-5 (March 2025). The EDNA looks at how Somerset’s economy is doing now and what it might need in the future in terms of land and buildings for businesses. It helps Somerset Council plan for jobs, business growth, and the types of spaces companies will need up to the year 2045. It will be supplemented by a forthcoming Employment Land Review which will identify the supply of employment land opportunities in Somerset.
Evidence base reports currently in production are:
- Local Housing Needs Assessment
- Gypsy, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Accommodation Assessment
- Strategic Flood Risk Assessment Level 1
- Retail and Leisure Needs Assessment
- Employment Land Review
- Playing Pitch and Built Sports Facilities Strategy
Early engagement activities
The Council held early engagement activities from December 2024 to March 2025 with representatives of the community, including Council Members; City, Town and Parish Councillors; Local Community Network groups; seldom heard groups and young people. The Somerset Local Plan Early Engagement Report (June 2025) details the activities undertaken and the vision and priorities identified through this process.
There will be further opportunities to have you say as we enter the statutory “Regulation 18” consultation phase early next year.
Further information on community involvement in Planning can be found in our Statement of Community Involvement.
Call for Sites
The Somerset Local Plan Call for Sites ran for 6 weeks from 13 January 2025 to 24 February 2025.
During this time, landowners, developers, and site promoters were invited to submit land they want to develop to the Council. This process is crucial for gathering information to help create the new Somerset Local Plan, following national policy and guidance.
We are now reviewing the sites submitted.
Emerging Local Plans of former District Councils
Work had progressed on the review of existing former district councils Local Plans. Although these will not now be progressed, this work remains relevant to the new Somerset Local Plan. And information gathering through engagement activities will remain important in shaping the new Somerset Local Plan.