Residents in Somerset seeking to have their input on the location of 505 new homes in their county will have to wait longer than expected. The implementation of the Local Plan Part II by the Mendip District Council has been delayed following a successful judicial review in December 2022. This delay has prompted a set timetable for the identification of new housing sites, public consultation, and final ratification by the Planning Inspectorate.
The judicial review initiated by Norton St. Philip Parish Council led to the scrapping of five proposed housing sites, necessitating the search for replacement sites by Somerset Council. The council has requested an extension from the High Court due to an overwhelming response from developers and landowners submitting over 50 potential sites to meet the housing need. The replacement sites must provide for the same number of homes as originally planned.
Amidst a high volume of submissions, the council has encountered delays in reviewing the proposed sites. Environmental considerations have further complicated the process, with the ecology team assessing the impact of the sites on biodiversity net gain and phosphates. The extensive review process has incurred significant costs, with the exact financial implications of the delay yet to be determined.
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Following the anticipated extension granted by the High Court, a public consultation on the new sites is scheduled to commence after the sub-committee’s meeting in February 2024. The council aims to uphold transparency throughout this process and engage with local stakeholders to gather their input. The amended Mendip Local Plan Part II is expected to be submitted for approval in the autumn, while work on the new Somerset-wide Local Plan continues separately.