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The Local Plan sets out how the district will grow sustainably between 2026 and 2041, proposing 24,495 new homes and around 72 hectares of land for employment. It also identifies key supporting infrastructure, including road improvements, public transport routes, schools, medical facilities and green spaces.
Following significant increased housing targets from central government, North Somerset Council is calling for fair, infrastructure-led growth that delivers the homes local people need, supported by the services they rely on.
Cllr Annemieke Waite, Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment at North Somerset Council, said: “It’s vitally important everyone has their say as this Local Plan will affect North Somerset for generations to come. We want to deliver new homes, especially the affordable housing that so many local families need, but we are deeply concerned about the scale of development central government is forcing upon us.
“Residents deserve more than just housing estates. They also need the vital infrastructure to support communities such as schools, roads and GP surgeries, We’re continuing to challenge developers and the government to step up and deliver the transport links, healthcare, education and jobs that must go hand in hand with new homes.”
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 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.
The consultation will run until 5pm on Friday 12 December 2025.
All feedback received will be carefully considered to see if further changes need to be made. The plan, along with all the comments received, will then be sent to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination in 2026.
Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide future sustainable growth with a focus on building low-carbon homes that meet modern energy efficiency standards, whilst also ensuring development is sensitive to the local environment and delivered in step with necessary services and facilities.
Cllr Waite added: “This plan is about shaping a greener, fairer future for North Somerset. We’re balancing the need for homes and jobs with tackling climate change and safeguarding our natural spaces for generations to come. We know many communities will be worried about what this means for their area. We share those concerns. That’s why we want everyone to take part in this consultation - to make sure local voices are heard loud and clear.”
The updated plan also reflects changes to national Green Belt policy, settlement boundaries, affordable housing requirements and new transport priorities, including active travel routes.
To read the Local Plan and complete the consultation, please visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/localplan2041