Local Plan scoping consultation has closed

Map of Somerset with green Somerset boundary line, showing major roads, towns and Bridgwater Bay coastline. © Crown Copyright and database rights 2026 Ordnance Survey | AC0000861332 Additional information © Somerset Council

The Somerset Local Plan scoping consultation closed at 11.59pm on 9 August 2026.

Thank you to everyone who took part. We received feedback from residents, businesses, community groups, parish and town councils, statutory consultees and other stakeholders.

The consultation asked for views on the scope of the new Local Plan, how we engage communities during plan preparation, our draft vision and outcomes for Somerset, and a range of emerging evidence and spatial options.

There is no statutory requirement to consult the wider public, businesses or other interested parties at the Local Plan scoping stage. However, we chose to go beyond these requirements by making the consultation available to everyone who wanted to participate.

This reflects our commitment to openness, transparency and involving communities at an early stage in shaping the Local Plan.

What happens next?

The Planning Policy team will now review and analyse all responses. Feedback will help shape the next stage of Local Plan preparation and inform the development of the evidence base, strategy and policies.

Key milestones

October 2026 – Gateway 1 and publication of the self-assessment summary.
November 2026 – Publication of a summary of consultation responses and how the feedback will be used.
September to October 2027 – Consultation on the proposed Local Plan content, including draft policies and supporting evidence.
March to May 2028 – Consultation on the proposed Somerset Local Plan before submission for independent examination.

There will be further opportunities for communities, businesses and stakeholders to get involved as the Local Plan progresses.

Thank you again to everyone who contributed to this first stage in preparing the Somerset Local Plan 2045.