Senior Somerset officials are calling on local residents to “fight for their say” regarding the number of new homes planned across the county over the next two decades.
Somerset Council is in the early consultation phase of its new Local Plan, which aims to allocate land for up to 75,000 new homes by 2045. The plan also includes provision for employment spaces, new schools, and other essential infrastructure.
At an event organised by the Liberal Democrats in Taunton on 11 July, Gideon Amos, the MP for Taunton and Wellington, discussed planning reform and answered questions from residents. The session was chaired by Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, the council’s portfolio holder for communities, environment, and climate change. The panel also featured Councillor Mike Rigby, Westward Housing Association CEO Stephen Lodge, and Magna Housing CEO Selena White.
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“The government is taking your say away, and we have to fight for our say on planning to protect people and the natural environment,” said Mr Amos.
Government housing targets require 75,000 new homes in Somerset by 2045
Current government targets mandate Somerset to provide an additional 75,000 homes by 2045, representing a 41% increase since 2024. Mr Amos, who resides near the Staplegrove urban extension in Taunton, emphasised that these targets are imposed centrally without local input.
Councillor Mike Rigby highlighted that the council is legally obligated to allocate land for this housing number, or else risk severe consequences for non-compliance.
Concerns raised about infrastructure and actual feasibility
Jackie Benham, sustainability manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, which operates Musgrove Park Hospital, expressed significant concerns about the impact of extensive housing on local infrastructure and the environment.
Mr Rigby conveyed scepticism over achieving the government’s housing targets, citing current infrastructure pressures and questioning the projected population growth, which would require a 30% increase over 20 years.
Opposition to proposed ‘Taunton garden village’ near Blackdown Hills
Debate has intensified around the proposed ‘Taunton garden village’, where Taylor Wimpey plans to build 7,000 homes east of Taunton Racecourse near the Blackdown Hills. Local campaigners have called for the draft Local Plan to provide stronger environmental protections and oppose developments that breach previous commitments.
Mr Rigby expressed dissatisfaction with the handling of a particular site sale, involving the Crown Estate and subsequent planning appeals, which residents feel undermines local interests.
Challenges with building on brownfield sites
While there is community support for developing brownfield sites (previously developed land) rather than greenfield locations, Mr Rigby noted the difficulties in bringing such developments forward. Financial viability is impacted when developers are required to contribute towards local services including health, education, transport, biodiversity, and environmental mitigation.
Significant investments have been made into projects like Taunton’s Firepool site to promote development, including utilities upgrades, flood protection, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Mr Amos urged greater utilisation of brownfield sites, citing national data indicating space for 1.5 million homes on such land, and shared examples where persistence led to progress in bringing stalled sites forward.
Need for more affordable housing, especially in rural areas
Panel members emphasised the urgent requirement for additional affordable housing, particularly outside main urban centres. Selena White highlighted the lengthy wait times for social housing, noting that housing stock is insufficient to meet demand.
Stephen Lodge underlined the national constraints on social rent-setting, making affordable rent less common.
How to participate
Residents are encouraged to engage with the Somerset Local Plan consultation at www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/planning/local-plan-scoping-consultation-2026/consultation before 9 August. The initial consultation period was extended from 24 July due to community feedback.
Councillor Rigby stated, “We really want to hear from people how they would like Somerset to evolve. This is just the first step in developing the Local Plan and will help ensure it addresses the right issues and focuses development appropriately. It’s important to note no specific sites are proposed at this stage.”
A summary of responses will be published in early November, with subsequent consultation rounds planned for September 2027 and March 2028. The Local Plan is expected to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate and, if approved, adopted by March 16, 2029.