Issue 13 - July 2025

Local Plan update

Somerset Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA) published

The assessment looks at how the Somerset economy is doing now and what it might need in the future in terms of land and buildings for businesses. It helps us plan for jobs, business growth, and the types of spaces companies will need up to the year 2045. It is a technical document that gathers and analyses factual data. We are producing the Somerset Local Plan that will allocate land for employment uses, if required. The EDNA will inform this decision. It will be supplemented by a forthcoming Employment Land Review which will identify what sites might supply new employment development.

Other planning policy updates

New self and custom build register of interest

We maintain a register of those interested in self-build and custom housebuilding within our Local Planning Authority Area (excluding Exmoor National Park).

There is now a single self-build and custom housebuilding register. The former district council registers of interest have now been superseded.

If you have previously registered your interest on one of the former district self-build registers, then you don’t need to fill out the new form.

Details on self and custom housebuilding in Somerset, as well as how to register your interest can be found on our:

• Somerset self-build and custom house building webpage, and
• register your interest form.

Please note that inclusion on the register does not guarantee a suitable plot will be identified or become available.

Somerset’s Local Heritage List

We’re excited to announce that Somerset's Local Heritage List has been updated.

Following recommendations from the South West Heritage Trust, a number of heritage assets have now been formally approved for inclusion.

This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to recognising and preserving places of local historic and cultural importance. While these sites may not meet the criteria for national designation, they hold significant value for our communities.

The updated list includes a mix of newly nominated sites, put forward by members of the public and partner organisations, as well as legacy sites previously identified by Historic England. These decisions follow panel meetings held in April 2025, which brought together Conservation Officers from the Council and other key stakeholders. The additions have been approved under delegated powers.

Neighbourhood Plan updates

Cannington, Norton St Philip and Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Plan referenda results

Each of the following Neighbourhood Plan areas have held their referendum with all voting in favour of each plan:

• Cannington 91.8% voted in favour;
• Norton St Philip 98% voted in favour;
• Shepton Mallet 84% voted in favour.

A decision regarding the making of these Neighbourhood Plans will take place at the Planning and Transport Sub-Committee on 13 August 2025.

Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan

The referendum for the Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan will take place on 21 August 2025, which will ask: “Do you want Somerset Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Ilminster to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?” If more than 50% of voters vote in favour of the Plan, we'll make the Plan within 8 weeks of the referendum. Documents can be viewed via the Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan page.