Somerset Council is preparing to launch a Call for Sites in the new year as part of its efforts to create a unified Local Plan for the county.

The six-week initiative invites landowners, developers, and site promoters to submit land for consideration for future development. Proposals can cover a range of uses, including housing, economic development, gypsy and traveller sites, and renewable energy projects.

The Call for Sites is a key early step in developing the Somerset Local Plan, which will guide decisions on future development by identifying areas suitable for growth and others where development will be restricted.

Cllr Mike Rigby, Executive Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, said: "Local Plans are at the heart of the planning system and are the starting point for consideration in deciding planning applications.

"This process will be crucial for gathering information to help develop the Somerset-wide Local Plan. People may want to start considering their options and look out for more details on how to submit a site early in the new year."

Submitting a site is not the same as making a planning application and does not automatically grant any form of planning permission. Instead, the process allows the council to understand the potential supply of development sites as it drafts its new Local Plan.

The new Somerset Local Plan will replace the existing district council Local Plans, which will remain in effect until officially superseded.

Once submissions are collected, each site will be assessed for its suitability, availability, and achievability. This will help determine which sites may be included in future consultations as the Local Plan progresses.

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