Green spaces across the growing village of Street in Somerset will soon be managed more locally, thanks to a newly finalized devolution deal between Somerset Council and Street Parish Council.
Facing a significant budget shortfall that prompted a financial emergency declaration in November 2023, Somerset Council invited town and parish councils countywide to assume responsibility for certain services. This move aims to reduce costly cuts by delegating local service management.
Several devolution agreements have already been signed with town and parish councils in towns such as Bridgwater, Minehead, Wellington, Wells, and Yeovil. These agreements transfer control of key services including parks and green spaces from the county to local bodies.
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Street Parish Council has now formalized its devolution deal, gaining responsibility for eight prominent green spaces and play areas throughout the village. These include:
- Houndiscombe Green
- Lambsditch Green Field
- Portman Gardens
- Blackmores Green
- Effords Mead Community Orchard
- Cranhill Gardens
- Rubeella Rise Open Space
- Littlefields Open Spaces
The village is experiencing notable housing growth, with plans for 280 new homes along the B3151 Somerton Road and 33 new council properties near Portland Road by the cemetery. To protect these green spaces from speculative development, restrictive covenants ensure the land remains designated for public use.
Although a memorandum of understanding on this transfer was signed in November 2025, the formal handover of these assets is scheduled for later this year.
Jonathan Stevens, Somerset Council’s Head of Operations, highlighted the cooperative efforts in a recent report: “Our teams have worked closely with Street Parish Council to make this transition smooth, ensuring no negative impact on residents. Both Somerset Council and the parish have conducted thorough due diligence.”
Stevens added that any future transfers of assets or services will undergo a separate decision-making process.