What is included in the scoping consultation
The first consultation stage in the new plan-making system is on the scope of the Somerset Local Plan. This is where we invite views on what the local plan should contain and how we should engage with you.
We must consult upon:
- draft Scope of the Somerset Local Plan – this proposes the broad subject matters to be covered by the policies. It does not set out what the policies will say.
- draft Local Plan Engagement Plan – this sets out how the Council proposes to engage communities, stakeholders and statutory bodies across each stage of the new plan making process
- draft Local Plan Vision and Outcomes – this sets out a positive long-term vision and early statement of ambition for Somerset. It is supported by strategic outcomes that will guide our choices about growth, development quality, infrastructure and environmental enhancement.
The new plan-making system means we need to produce the local plan within a 30-month period. This is a significant challenge for a geographical area as large as Somerset but we have made a good start on other parts of local plan work which we can include as part of this consultation. This gives more opportunity for you to shape the local plan.
So, we are also consulting upon:
- draft Spatial Strategy Topic Paper – this is an overall strategy for the pattern, scale and distribution of development across Somerset. It explains all the matters that we have thought about and proposes a short list of spatial strategy options.
- draft Role and Function of Settlements Topic Paper – this document ensures that we have a good understanding of the nature of the settlements within Somerset. With help from parish, town and city councils it gathers information on the services and facilities currently available in settlements, the population, employment opportunities and access to the transport network concluding on the relative sustainability of our settlements in the form of a settlement hierarchy.
- draft Sustainability Appraisal of the Spatial Strategy options – an initial comparison of how the different options perform against key issues
Consultation dates
The consultation has been extended by two weeks. It now runs from runs from Friday 19 June to Sunday 9 August 2026 and is available on the Consultation Portal.
Government advice is that this consultation should last for at least 21 days. Our consultation will run for 52 days (7 weeks).