Somerset Local Plan consultation extended after residents ask for more time

By Daniel Mumby - Local Democracy Reporter 3rd Aug 2026

Local News by Daniel Mumby - Local Democracy Reporter 2 hours ago

Somerset residents are being given a little more time to give their views on new plans which will shape their county for the next two decades.

Somerset Council is currently consulting on its new Local Plan, which will allocate housing and employment sites up to 2045 along with identifying where new schools and other infrastructure will be required.

The consultation was originally due to conclude on Friday (July 24), with the responses being evaluated in the run-up to Christmas and more details being provided in the new year.

But following feedback from concerned residents, the council has now extended the consultation, giving people until August 9 to put their views across.

Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, said: "We really want to hear from people how they would like Somerset to evolve so we are allowing extra time – more than double the government's recommended time-scale.

"This is just the first step in development of the Local Plan. People's thoughts will help ensure we build a Plan covering the right issues, around a vision that people can get behind and focus new development in the right places.

"It's important to stress that this consultation is not about specific sites, and no sites are proposed at this stage."

At this stage of the consultation process, the council is asking for views on the following elements:

The scope of the plan (not detailed policies)
How people and organisations will be involved going forward
The vision for "what we want to achieve for Somerset"

The consultation also invites views on "emerging work" on where development could go in Somerset and the relative sustainability of different settlements – but not on the allocation of any individual sites for future housing or employment provision.

To take part in the Somerset Local Plan consultation, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/planning/local-plan-scoping-consultation-2026/consultation.

A summary of the consultation responses will be published in early-November, with the second round of consultation (including more details of proposed development sites) expected to begin in September 2027.

The third and final round of public consultation is currently scheduled to be held in March 2028, after which the Local Plan will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (which may hold additional public hearings if it is deemed to be necessary).

The new Local Plan is expected to be formally adopted on March 16, 2029.