The government’s directive for Somerset to construct an astounding 75,000 new homes within the next two decades has sparked significant concern among local councillors and residents. Many argue that this target, increased by 41% following the Labour government’s pledge to deliver 1.5 million homes nationally, is unrealistic and risks sidelining community input.
Somerset Council is currently drafting its county-wide Local Plan, planned for formal adoption by spring 2029 after public consultations and a review by the Planning Inspectorate. However, multiple parish councils have raised the alarm about the overwhelming scale of the housing demand and the perceived dominance of national policy over local needs.
Colin Fisher, chairman of Stoke St. Mary Parish Council and representative for 12 parishes, criticized the current approach as “developer-led” and urged for a plan that prioritizes local knowledge and place-based strategies rather than arbitrary targets. He emphasized the importance of Neighbourhood Plans in reflecting community priorities and safeguarding local character.
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Similarly, Isobel Beacom from Wedmore Parish Council pointed out that rural areas face unique challenges that may be ignored under the government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill, currently under review in the House of Lords. She warned that without robust local plans, rural communities could suffer from unsustainable pressures on schools, healthcare, and infrastructure, as well as the loss of green spaces.
Queen Camel Parish Councillor Harriet Chappell highlighted the potential impact on small villages, citing the disproportionate increase in housing already granted and concerns over the effect on local roads and village character.
Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for economic development, planning, and assets, Councillor Mike Rigby, acknowledged the high target and questioned its deliverability. He pointed out Somerset’s geographic and environmental constraints, including flood-prone areas and protected landscapes like Exmoor National Park, which complicate large-scale development. Rigby stressed that local Neighbourhood Plans might not always be honored and lamented the shift toward planning serving national agendas over true local governance.
Adding to the complexity, Councillor Sarah Wakefield, responsible for housing and homelessness, noted changing societal patterns increasing the need for smaller, single-occupancy homes. With nearly 12,900 households on the Homefinder register—over half seeking single-person properties—accommodating diverse housing needs poses a significant challenge.
The draft Somerset Local Plan will be released for public consultation in April 2026, followed by a second round in October 2027. After submission to the Planning Inspectorate and public hearings, the final plan is expected to be adopted by March 2029. Meanwhile, planning decisions will continue to follow the inherited district plans until the new framework takes effect.
As Somerset grapples with balancing ambitious housing targets and preserving local voices, the development of the new Local Plan will be critical in shaping the county’s future landscape.