Somerset Local Plan Scoping Consultation 2026

Closes 24 Jul 2026

This service needs cookies enabled.

Engagement Strategy - how we will involve people

The Engagement Strategy explains how and when the Council will involve people and organisations as the Somerset Local Plan is prepared. It explains when engagement will happen, what methods will be used, and how activities will link to each stage of plan‑making, giving clarity and transparency for everyone involved.

The Council is committed to making engagement open to as many people as possible. A digital‑first but not digital‑only approach will be used, combining online consultation with targeted and traditional methods to reach communities, stakeholders and under‑represented groups.

Engagement activities are designed to be focused and timely, avoiding unnecessary duplication while making sure people can influence the Plan at the right points. Methods and levels of engagement will reflect the issues being considered and the stage of the Local Plan process.

The Strategy explains how comments and views will be recorded, reported and taken into account. Summaries of engagement will be published, and feedback will help inform decisions on the scope, content and next steps of the Local Plan.

As you answer the questions, please refer to the supporting document and information provided. You may find it helpful to keep these open in separate tabs or windows.

Engagement Strategy

You can download the Engagement Strategy to read, or view the document below:

Your browser does not support inline PDF viewing. Please download the PDF.

Engagement Strategy - Summary

The Engagement Strategy explains the Council’s overall approach to involving communities, stakeholders and organisations in preparing the Somerset Local Plan. It is made up of the following sections.

Purpose and legal context

This section explains why the Engagement Strategy has been prepared and how it meets national planning regulations and guidance. It confirms that the Strategy supports the new plan‑making system and sets out the Council’s formal approach to engagement for the Local Plan.

Strategic approach to engagement

This section describes the Council’s overall approach to engagement. It explains how engagement will be planned across the different stages of the Local Plan, how it will be proportionate and timely, and how activities will be adapted as evidence and issues emerge.

Processes to maximise participation

This section explains how the Council will encourage involvement from a wide range of people and organisations. It sets out the digital‑first but not digital‑only approach, combining online consultation with targeted and traditional methods to improve accessibility and reach.

Strategic cooperation and cross‑boundary working

This section explains how the Council will work with neighbouring authorities, infrastructure providers and other strategic bodies. It focuses on collaboration on cross‑boundary issues that are important for delivering a sound and effective Local Plan.

Engaging with under‑represented groups

This section sets out how the Council will make extra effort to involve groups that are often less represented in planning consultations. It explains how engagement will be inclusive and accessible, including the use of tailored methods and alternative formats where needed.

Consultation and Engagement Activities Plan

This section introduces the accompanying Activities Plan. The Plan provides a practical overview of who will be engaged, how, and at each stage of plan‑making. It is a live document and will be updated as the Local Plan progresses

 

1. Overall, do you think the proposed Engagement Strategy is appropriate for preparing the Somerset Local Plan?
2. How clear is the Engagement Strategy in explaining how and when people can take part?
3. Which engagement methods would you be most likely to use to take part in future Local Plan consultations? Please select all that apply.
4. Do you think the balance between online and non‑digital engagement methods is right?
5. How well do you think the Engagement Strategy will reach the following groups?

Please use this space if you want to explain your answers or tell us if there are any groups that need more or different engagement.

6. Does the Engagement Strategy clearly explain how engagement will take place at different stages of preparing the Local Plan?
7. Do you understand how feedback from engagement will be used to inform the Local Plan?
8. Do you find the Consultation and Engagement Activities Plan helpful in understanding who will be engaged and how?
9. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the Engagement Strategy or how you would like to be involved as the Local Plan progresses?