Green spaces in the growing village of Street, Somerset, will soon be managed more locally, following a new devolution agreement. This shift comes as Somerset Council addresses a financial emergency declared in November 2023, seeking to avoid deep service cuts by transferring responsibilities to town and parish councils across the county.
Several towns including Bridgwater, Minehead, Wellington, Wells, and Yeovil have already taken on management of parks and green areas through similar devolution deals. Now, Street Parish Council has formalized its own arrangement, assuming responsibility for a number of the village’s green spaces and play areas.
The green spaces transitioning under the parish council’s care include community parks and play zones, each protected by restrictive covenants ensuring the land remains dedicated to public use. This move aims to preserve these areas amid substantial upcoming housing developments, which include 280 new homes on B3151 Somerton Road and 33 council properties near Portland Road.
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Though a memorandum of understanding regarding these assets was signed in November 2025, the official transfer will take place later this year. Jonathan Stevens, Somerset Council’s Head of Operations, emphasized the collaborative efforts in making the transition smooth with no negative effects for residents.
“Our officers have worked closely with Street Parish Council to ensure the devolution process is seamless,” Stevens said. “We are confident that thorough due diligence has been completed on both sides. Any future transfers of assets and services will follow a separate decision-making process.”