North Somerset Local Plan 2041 – Have Your Say Before 12 December

Updated Green Belt Assessment Now Available

North Somerset Council has republished the Stage 2 Green Belt Assessment following technical issues with the original version. The previous document displayed on the website contained formatting problems due to file size, and tables in Appendix 2 relating to parcels of land around Long Ashton were not showing correctly. This has now been rectified, ensuring all information is accessible to consultees.

The consultation on the North Somerset Local Plan 2041 opened on 30 October and sets out ambitious plans for how the area will grow sustainably between 2026 and 2041. The plan proposes approximately 24,495 new homes and 72 hectares of employment land to support economic growth in North Somerset over the next 15 years, along with the infrastructure required to support this significant level of development.

The Local Plan identifies where development can and cannot take place across North Somerset, whilst guiding investment for new housing, jobs, transport and community facilities. It focuses on sustainable growth with low-carbon homes that meet modern energy efficiency standards, whilst ensuring development is sensitive to the local environment and delivered alongside necessary services and facilities.

Key Areas for Growth

The majority of new housing growth remains focused in and around Weston-super-Mare and at Wolvershill to the north of Banwell. However, as a result of increased mandatory housing targets set by central government, three additional strategic growth areas are now included: Woodspring (to the southwest of Bristol), Nailsea and Backwell, and around Pill and Easton-in-Gordano.

Supporting infrastructure identified in the plan includes road improvements, public transport routes, schools, medical facilities and green spaces to ensure communities have the services they need.

Make Your Voice Heard

The consultation period will close at 5pm on Friday, 12 December 2025. This is your opportunity to share your views on how North Somerset can sustainably meet housing and supporting infrastructure needs for the next 15 years.

All of the information required, including details on how to respond to the consultation online, can be found on the North Somerset Council website.

Following this consultation, the plan, along with all comments received, will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination in 2026. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide future development across North Somerset and replace the current development plan, which has an end date of 2026.

Questions?

If you have any queries about the Local Plan consultation, please contact the Planning Policy Team at planning.policy@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Don’t miss the window to share your views on this important plan that will affect North Somerset for generations to come.