Glastonbury's long-awaited Neighbourhood Plan has reached a major milestone after being officially submitted for screening to Somerset Council, councillors confirmed at the latest town meeting.

The draft plan, which outlines how Glastonbury should develop over the coming years, has been in progress for several years but was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and administrative setbacks. The updated draft has now been passed to the planning authority to begin the next formal stages of assessment and consultation.

At the full council meeting, councillors welcomed the progress and thanked consultants Planet for their work in helping the plan recover momentum after previous delays.

One councillor said it had been a "long journey" but now felt like "light at the end of the tunnel", with the town finally on track to gain a policy document that can influence local planning decisions.

Planning weight and public input

Neighbourhood Plans, once adopted, become part of the local development framework and carry legal weight in planning applications — giving communities a stronger say in how housing, infrastructure and land use evolve.

The plan for Glastonbury will include policies on housing needs, green spaces, the town centre, heritage sites and design standards. Councillors emphasised that public consultation will still be a key part of the process, and residents will have the opportunity to comment once Somerset Council completes its screening and environmental checks.

The aim is to ensure the final plan reflects local priorities and helps protect Glastonbury's unique character while managing growth sustainably.

What happens next

The plan will now undergo formal screening for environmental and strategic compliance by Somerset Council. If approved, it will proceed to public consultation and then to a community referendum, which must pass before the plan can be adopted.

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Councillors agreed that updates will be published regularly to keep residents informed throughout the process.

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