Plans to combine the small Somerset town of Langport with the neighbouring parish of Huish Episcopi have progressed following an extensive public consultation. Langport, enclosed on three sides by Huish Episcopi, has seen its population remain stable while Huish Episcopi has absorbed the majority of recent housing development in the area.
The disparity has led Langport Town Council to raise its share of council tax to unusually high levels to fund services used by residents of both areas. Somerset Council conducted a consultation regarding the merger prior to the local elections scheduled for May 2027. In September 2025, the council’s constitution and governance committee agreed to advance the proposal.
However, plans were delayed in May after the Huish Episcopi Residents Association mounted a last-minute legal challenge. The council’s legal team advised that a second consultation was necessary to ensure the legitimacy of the merger process.
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The recent consultation, which concluded in August and drew nearly 650 responses, showed 58.4 per cent support for a single parish council, 73.7 per cent preferred an 11-member council, and 61.5 per cent opposed any subdivision of councillors into wards. Following this, the constitution and governance committee has agreed to proceed to a final consultation round ending mid-November.
If approved, the current parishes of Langport and Huish Episcopi will be dissolved to create a new parish named Huish Episcopi and Langport, maintaining existing boundaries. The new parish council will comprise 11 councillors elected on 6 May 2027.
Langport Town Council chairman Sean Dromgoole affirmed the joint support of both councils for the merger, acknowledging strong although not unanimous community backing and expressing frustration at repeated delays. Huish Episcopi Parish Council chair Julia Gadd noted some local opposition but highlighted a significant majority in favour, describing the merger as a sensible and efficient use of resources.
Local resident Lisa Ulf-Hansen criticised Somerset Council for procedural failures resulting in delays, calling for an apology to councils and residents. Councillor Tim Kerley, representing Somerton, apologised on behalf of the committee and assured that measures have been implemented to prevent similar issues in future.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the final consultation by visiting the Somerset Council website by 16 November. Should the merger proceed, the new parish council will be established from 1 April 2027 with elections held during the wider local elections on 6 May. Polling stations have been confirmed, and election results are anticipated early on 7 May.