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Plan-it Somerset
Planning policy news
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What is BNG and why is it important?
From January 2024, planning applications submitted for new developments in England will be required to achieve at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG).
BNG is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand. It's intended to deliver measurable improvements for biodiversity by creating or enhancing habitats in association with development.
Whilst the requirement to demonstrate and deliver at least 10% BNG and the core processes involved in doing so are set nationally, there are limited areas where the requirement can be tailored to local circumstances.
Have your say on our draft BNG Guidance Note
We have produced a draft BNG Guidance Note for public consultation which provides technical guidance and advice on calculating and delivering BNG in a Somerset context. It aims to ensure a consistent and efficient approach aligned to local policy context, by making clear the requirements and processes in Somerset.
We're seeking views on this Guidance Note and the proposed validation requirements from planning applicants, developers, planning agents, ecologists, landowners, land managers, land agents, site promoters, nature conservation bodies, other technical stakeholders and the general public.
The Consultation runs for 4 weeks from Monday 6 November 2023 until Monday 4 December 2023.
We're seeking views specifically on:
- our proposed processes for dealing with BNG through the planning process (including validation requirements and approach for securing BNG from new development);
- our proposed approach for tailoring BNG locally through use of the Somerset BNG Principles, definition of strategic significance and the sequential approach;
- our proposed approach for enabling off-site delivery mechanisms in Somerset;
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our proposed approach for monitoring BNG; and
- the draft conclusions of the accompanying SEA / HRA Screening Report.
To take part in the consultation:
Alternatively, you can respond by:
- emailing localplanningpolicy@somerset.gov.uk;
- writing to us at BNG, Somerset Council, County Hall, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 4DY; or
- commenting directly via our social media pages (linked at the bottom of this email).
Paper copies of the consultation documents are also available for public viewing at:
Creating Places for People
A big thank you to all those who responded to our ‘Creating Places for People’ consultation which closed on Monday 16 October 2023.
The consultation sought opinions on a set of outline principles that are designed to steer new development in Somerset.
We received over 900 formal responses and we're now working through these to understand the full range of views expressed and how these may influence the final principles and any associated guidance as well as next steps.
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 Our Local Development Scheme was approved at the Council's Executive Committee on 4 Oct 2023 and sets out our work programme and timetable for updating the documents that form the Development Plan for Somerset.
The work programme comprises the:
- Somerset Local Plan
- Somerset Minerals Plan review
- Somerset Waste Plan review
- Mendip Local Plan Part II - Site Allocations review
The Development Plan sets out a vision for the local area in terms of housing, the economy, community facilities, infrastructure, minerals and waste, and for conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and achieving well designed places.
We use the policies within the Development Plan to assess proposals for new development.
It replaces the Local Development Scheme for the former district and county councils in Somerset.
Neighbourhood Plans also form part of the Development Plan and their production is led by parish, town and city councils, see Neighbourhood Plan updates below.
Statement of Community Involvement adopted
Thank you to everyone who commented on our draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) which was adopted at the Council's Executive Committee on 4 October 2023.
The SCI explains how we'll engage local communities and other interested parties in producing our Local Plan and determining planning applications.
The Consultation Statement explains how we took your comments into consideration.
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Mendip Local Plan Part II Review
We're progressing a partial update to the Mendip Local Plan Part II as directed by the High Court Order following Judicial Review.
The update is limited to a reconsideration of housing sites for 505 dwellings in the former Mendip area.
The scope is now confirmed in the Local Development Scheme.
We'll publish a preferred options consultation in January 2024.
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Wells Neighbourhood Plan
Stock image of a cafe in Wells by Krisztina Papp from Unsplash
The Wells Neighbourhood Plan will proceed to a local referendum in January 2024.
The Examiner’s Report along with further information can be found on our Neighbourhood Plans in Production webpage.
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