Green spaces in the growing village of Street, Somerset, will soon be managed locally as part of a newly finalized devolution deal between Somerset Council and Street Parish Council.
Faced with a significant budget deficit and a declared financial emergency in November 2023, Somerset Council invited town and parish councils across the county to assume responsibility for certain services to avoid damaging cuts. Several towns, including Bridgwater, Minehead, Wellington, Wells, and Yeovil, have already taken greater control of parks and green spaces through similar arrangements.
The latest agreement means that Street Parish Council will now oversee eight green spaces and play areas across the village. These areas will be maintained locally to better serve the community as Street prepares for substantial housing growth. New developments include 280 homes on Somerton Road (B3151) and 33 council houses on Portland Road, near the village cemetery.
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To protect these green spaces from speculative development, restrictive covenants are in place ensuring the land remains public and is preserved “for public benefit.” Although a memorandum of understanding regarding these assets was signed back in November 2025, the formal transfer of ownership is expected later this year.
Jonathan Stevens, Somerset Council’s Head of Operations, expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “Our officers have worked collaboratively with Street Parish Council to ensure the devolution of services will be seamless, with no negative impact on residents. Due diligence has been thoroughly completed by both parties.”
Stevens also noted that any future transfers of assets and services will undergo separate decision-making processes, highlighting the council’s ongoing commitment to responsible local governance.