The picturesque village of Oake, nestled between Taunton and Wellington, has taken a significant step in shaping its future housing landscape with the recent approval of its Neighbourhood Plan. After years of collaborative effort from the parish council and local residents, the plan was officially ratified by Somerset Council, granting the community a stronger voice in local development decisions.
Located at the junction of the A38 and B3227 roads in the former Taunton Deane area, Oake and its neighboring hamlets—Heathfield, Hillcommon, and Hillfarrance—are now included in this comprehensive planning framework. While the plan does not pinpoint specific sites for new development, it establishes design guidelines ensuring that any new homes harmonize with the village’s existing character.
Key elements of the plan emphasize preserving vital green spaces, such as the primary school playing fields, and promoting enhanced walking and cycling routes both within Oake and connecting it to nearby communities like Milverton and Norton Fitzwarren. This initiative reflects a thoughtful balance between necessary growth and conservation of the village’s identity.
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The Neighbourhood Plan received overwhelming support from residents during a referendum held on October 23, with approximately 97% voting in favor. Following this, Somerset Council’s planning and transport policy executive sub-committee formally adopted the plan in December, integrating it into the council’s broader planning policies.
Councillor Sarah Wakefield, responsible for adult services, housing, and homelessness, highlighted ongoing concerns about the effectiveness of Neighbourhood Plans when faced with broader housing supply challenges. She remarked on the frustration expressed by several local parish councils who feel their efforts are sometimes undermined due to wider regional housing demands.
Council planning officers acknowledged these complexities, explaining that the influence of Neighbourhood Plans largely depends on whether they allocate specific development sites. Those plans that meet local needs and are under five years old carry more weight against speculative development proposals. However, many plans, including Oake’s, do not allocate sites, leaving them vulnerable to appeals on speculative applications.
Looking ahead, the Oake Neighbourhood Plan will remain an integral part of Somerset Council’s planning strategy and will eventually be incorporated into the new Somerset Local Plan, scheduled for adoption in spring 2029. Preparations are already underway for the initial public consultation on site allocations.
Councillor Wakefield emphasized the necessity for villages like Oake to embrace thoughtful development to meet evolving community needs. She noted that while preserving the village’s character is important, it is equally vital to acknowledge demographic changes and housing demands. “This is not a protection against development; it is more about saying: ‘this is what we would like to see in our village,’” she said.