Somerset Local Plan Scoping Consultation 2026

Closes 24 Jul 2026

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Vision and Outcomes - what we want to achieve

This section sets out a draft Vision and a set of draft Outcomes for the Somerset Local Plan. 

The Draft Vision describes what Somerset could be like by 2045 and the kind of place the Local Plan is seeking to support over the long term.

Draft Vision Statement

By 2045, Somerset will be a greener, fairer and more flourishing county where everyone can live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives in beautiful and distinctive places.

New development will respond positively to Somerset’s landscapes, coast, historic towns and villages, supporting thriving communities and a strong sense of local identity.

The Local Plan will focus growth where it can be well‑served by sustainable transport and infrastructure, making it easier to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport, and reducing the need to travel by car. Homes will be more affordable, energy‑efficient and inclusive, meeting the needs of all ages and communities.

Somerset’s economy will be more productive, innovative and resilient, building on strengths in low‑carbon energy, advanced manufacturing, agri‑food, tourism and the creative and digital sectors, and offering good quality jobs and skills opportunities across the county.

Nature and the historic environment will be protected and restored, with a richer network of green and blue spaces supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, health and wellbeing. The Plan will support a just transition to net‑zero, ensuring that the benefits of a greener economy and better places are shared fairly by all communities.

The Outcomes explain what success would look like, helping to guide future decisions about growth, development, infrastructure and environmental improvement. 

Draft outcomes - summary of what success looks like by 2045

Theme

 

Strategic Outcome

Summary of what success looks like by 2045
A. Greener, Climate-Resilient Somerset 1 Low-carbon and climate-resilient development pattern Development reduces carbon emissions, is energy-efficient, located to reduce car use, and resilient to climate change.
A. Greener, Climate-Resilient Somerset 2 Nature recovery and stronger green/blue networks A connected network of habitats and open spaces is enhanced, delivering biodiversity net gain and improved access to nature.
B. Homes for All 3 Meeting Somerset’s housing needs Sufficient homes delivered in the right locations, supporting settlements of different roles while avoiding unsustainable dispersal.  
B. Homes for All 4 More affordable and accessible homes Increased access to affordable, well-located, energy-efficient homes that meet a range of needs.
C. A Healthy, Connected Somerset 5 Better access to services by sustainable travel More people can access jobs, services and green spaces by walking, cycling, wheeling or public transport.
C. A Healthy, Connected Somerset 6 Healthier places and reduced inequalities Development supports healthier lifestyles, improves access to facilities and reduces inequalities between communities.  
D. A Flourishing, Productive Somerset 7 Employment land and workspace for key sectors A resilient economy supported by well-located employment land aligned with key growth sectors.
D. A Flourishing, Productive Somerset 8 Vibrant and resilient town and local centres Town centres thrive with mixed uses, improved public realm, and protection from harmful out-of-centre development.
E. Beautiful, Distinctive and Inclusive Places 9 High-quality, locally distinctive design Development reflects Somerset’s character, delivers inclusive environments, and achieves high design quality.
F. Delivery, Infrastructure and Implementation 10 Infrastructure aligned with growth Infrastructure is planned and delivered in step with development, ensuring a responsive and deliverable Local Plan.  

 

At this early stage, the Vision and Outcomes are not final. They are being shared now to test the overall direction of travel, the main themes, and whether they reflect the priorities and aspirations of Somerset’s communities, businesses and partners. 

Your feedback will help the Council to refine the Vision and Outcomes before they are used to shape the spatial strategy and future Local Plan policies. 

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.

Draft Vision and Outcomes

You can download the Draft Vision and Outcomes or read, or view the document below.

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Draft Vision and Outcomes - Summary

The Vision and Outcomes set the overall direction for the Somerset Local Plan. They explain where the Plan is trying to get to by 2045 and what success should look like. 

Purpose of the Vision and Outcomes 

This section explains why a Vision and Outcomes are needed for the Local Plan. National planning policy expects plans to set a positive long‑term vision and a strategic framework to guide decisions over at least 15 years. The Vision sets the direction, and the Outcomes describe what that direction means in practice.  

Role in the Local Plan 

This section explains how the Vision and Outcomes will be used. They will guide: 

  • future spatial strategy options; 

  • choices about the scale and location of growth; and  

  • the development of Local Plan policies and infrastructure priorities. 

They provide a shared reference point for decision‑making as the Plan is developed.  

Status at this stage 

The Vision and Outcomes are draft and not final. They are published at this early scoping stage to test the overall direction of travel. Feedback received now will be used to refine them before they are formally consulted on again at the next stage of plan‑making.  

How the Vision and Outcomes have evolved 

This section explains how the draft Vision and Outcomes were developed. They draw on early engagement, baseline evidence, sustainability appraisal work and alignment with wider Somerset strategies. They have been refined through workshops and testing alongside emerging spatial strategy work.  

The draft Vision 

This section sets out a single Vision statement describing what Somerset could be like by 2045. It focuses on themes such as climate resilience, healthy and connected communities, distinctive places, a strong economy and protecting Somerset’s landscapes and heritage. 

The draft Outcomes 

This section introduces a set of strategic Outcomes, grouped under themed headings. The Outcomes describe what success would look like and are intended to be clear, measurable and locally relevant. They will help shape spatial choices and future policies in the Local Plan.  

What we are asking for feedback on 

This section explains the focus of consultation. The Council is asking whether: 

  • the Vision provides a positive and realistic long-term direction; 

  • the Outcomes capture the right priorities for Somerset; and 

  • any important themes, places or communities are missing or need more emphasis. 

  • Feedback will be used to refine the Vision and Outcomes for the next stage of consultation. 

 

1. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the summary of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) set out for Somerset in the draft Vision and Outcomes Report?

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats

Strengths

Weaknesses

Strong sense of place, with attractive and distinctive towns, villages and rural landscapes.

Housing affordability challenges, particularly for younger households and key workers.

Rich natural environment and heritage assets that contribute to quality of life and tourism.

Variable public transport provision and heavy dependence on the private car in many areas.

Active communities and partnerships, including Local Community Networks, parish and town councils.

Pockets of deprivation and poor health outcomes, and inequalities between places.

Existing and emerging economic strengths, including advanced manufacturing, energy, agri‑food, tourism and creative sectors.

Pressures on infrastructure capacity (transport, utilities, social infrastructure) and funding.

Strong corporate commitment to climate and ecological action, fairness and health.

An ageing population and challenges in meeting diverse housing and care needs.

Opportunities

Threats

Harnessing low‑carbon economic growth, innovation and skills to support a greener economy.

Climate change impacts, including increased flooding, coastal change and overheating.

Aligning the Local Plan with transport, economic, health and housing strategies to deliver co‑benefits.

Continued pressure on public finances and viability, affecting delivery of infrastructure and affordable housing.

Focusing growth to revitalise town and local centres, support rural communities and make best use of brownfield land.

Ongoing housing affordability pressures, leading to exclusion of local people from housing and communities.

Strengthening active travel and public transport networks, improving access to services and jobs.

Loss or erosion of environmental quality, biodiversity and local character if growth is poorly planned.

Using design, place‑making and community‑led approaches to achieve beautiful, healthy and inclusive places.

Failure to adapt to new technologies, changing work patterns and demographic shifts, leading to missed opportunities.
2. To what extent does the draft Vision reflect the kind of Somerset you would like to see by 2045?

Draft Vision Statement

Draft Vision Statement

By 2045, Somerset will be a greener, fairer and more flourishing county where everyone can live healthy, connected and fulfilling lives in beautiful and distinctive places.

New development will respond positively to Somerset’s landscapes, coast, historic towns and villages, supporting thriving communities and a strong sense of local identity.

The Local Plan will focus growth where it can be well‑served by sustainable transport and infrastructure, making it easier to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport, and reducing the need to travel by car. Homes will be more affordable, energy‑efficient and inclusive, meeting the needs of all ages and communities.

Somerset’s economy will be more productive, innovative and resilient, building on strengths in low‑carbon energy, advanced manufacturing, agri‑food, tourism and the creative and digital sectors, and offering good quality jobs and skills opportunities across the county.

Nature and the historic environment will be protected and restored, with a richer network of green and blue spaces supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, health and wellbeing. The Plan will support a just transition to net‑zero, ensuring that the benefits of a greener economy and better places are shared fairly by all communities.

3. Overall, do you agree with the direction of travel set out by the draft Vision and Outcomes?
4. Do the six outcome themes provide a clear and coherent structure for the Local Plan?

Draft Outcome Themes

You can find the detailed outcome themes in the Draft Vision and Outcomes Report, or read the summary below.

A. Greener, Climate-Resilient Somerset

Reducing carbon emissions and ensuring new development is energy efficient, well located, and resilient to climate change. Enhancing nature, biodiversity, and access to green and blue spaces across Somerset.

B. Homes for All

Providing enough homes to meet local needs, with a mix of types and sizes in the right locations. Increasing access to affordable, energy-efficient homes that are close to services and suitable for all communities.

C. A Healthy, Connected Somerset

Improving access to jobs, services and green spaces by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport. Supporting healthier lifestyles, better-designed neighbourhoods, and reducing health inequalities.

D. A Flourishing, Productive Somerset

Supporting a strong and resilient local economy with jobs, skills and investment in key sectors. Strengthening town and local centres and ensuring employment opportunities are accessible across Somerset.

E. Beautiful, Distinctive and Inclusive Places

Ensuring new development is high quality, well designed and reflects Somerset’s local character. Creating safe, inclusive places with strong identities, good public spaces and respect for heritage and landscapes.

F. Delivery, Infrastructure and Implementation

Ensuring infrastructure such as transport, schools, health services and utilities are delivered alongside growth. Supporting effective delivery through funding, partnerships and ongoing monitoring of the Local Plan.

5. How clear and relevant do you think the Outcomes under each theme are?

Draft Outcomes

You can find the detailed draft Outcomes in the Draft Vision and Outcomes Report, or read the summary below.
 

A. A Greener, Climate-Resilient Somerset

Outcome

Summary

Outcome 1 – A low carbon and climate-resilient development pattern and built environment

New development will reduce carbon emissions by being energy efficient and well located, and will be designed to cope with the impacts of climate change.

Outcome 2 – Nature recovery and a stronger network of green and blue spaces

Development will protect and enhance nature, increasing biodiversity and improving access to green spaces and waterways

B. Homes for All

Outcome

Summary

Outcome 3 – Meeting Somerset’s housing needs

Enough homes will be delivered in the right locations to meet the needs of different communities across Somerset.

Outcome 4 – More affordable and accessible homes

More people will be able to access affordable, energy-efficient homes that are suitable for a range of needs.

 

C. A Healthy, Connected Somerset

Outcome

Summary

Outcome 5 – Better access to everyday services by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport

More people will be able to access jobs, services and facilities without relying on a car.

Outcome 6 – Places that support healthier lives and reduced inequalities

New development will support healthier communities, improve access to services and green space, and help reduce inequalities.

 

D. A Flourishing, Productive Somerset

Outcome

Summary

Outcome 7 – Employment land and workspace that support Somerset’s key sectors

The Local Plan will support jobs and economic growth by providing suitable employment space and supporting key industries.

Outcome 8 – More vibrant and resilient town and local centres

Town and local centres will be strengthened with more activity, investment and a wider mix of uses.

 

E. Beautiful, Distinctive and Inclusive Places

Outcome

Summary

Outcome 9 – Locally distinctive, well-designed and inclusive development

New development will be high quality, reflect local character, and create inclusive and attractive places.

F. Delivery, Infrastructure and Implementation

Outcome

Summary

Outcome 10 – Infrastructure in step with growth and a deliverable, responsive plan

Infrastructure will be planned and delivered alongside growth, supported by funding, partnerships and monitoring.

6. Is the balance right between environmental, social and economic priorities in the Vision and Outcomes?
7. Do the Vision and Outcomes help point towards the right spatial choices for Somerset (for example, where growth should happen and the role of different places)?
8. Do you think the proposed monitoring indicators are useful and proportionate for measuring progress?
9. Does the Vision and Outcomes framework align well with other strategies and plans for Somerset (for example transport, economy, health, environment and housing)?
10. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about the draft Vision and Outcomes?