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Accept additional cookies Reject additional cookies View cookies Home Planning, buildings and landIncludes planning permission, building control, countryside and climate emergency
Latest planning services updates in Somerset
Search for planning applications and keep up to date with their progress
How to make a planning application and follow its progress
Information about the preparation and implementation of our planning strategy and policy documents
Somerset Building Control provides a modern, flexible building control service to business and householders in the South West.
Pages in Planning applications
Information and advice to help you decide if you need planning permission
Planning Aid England provides free, independent, professional planning advice and support
Pre-application advice is an important part of the planning process and we welcome early discussions before you submit a planning application
How to apply and pay for planning permission
Planning permission for mineral extraction, quarries, peat workings and processing plants
The information that you need to submit for planning applications
A Planning Performance Agreement is a negotiated agreement, signed separately for each stage of a project
You have the right to appeal a planning decision to the Planning Inspectorate.
Search for planning applications and keep up to date with their progress
Determining planning applications for waste related developments
Guidance on how to request to speak at a planning committee, documentation and speaking time limits
Find out more about the different types of planning applications and the fees required
Pages in Planning policy
Sign-up for the planning policy newsletter - housing, economy, environmental conservation, heritage preservation, and more
The Local Plan sets out a framework for the future development of the area
The development of a new Local Plan for Somerset
Somerset Council is the minerals and waste planning authority for the whole county, except Exmoor National Park.
Shape the future of your local area by creating a Neighbourhood Plan or Neighbourhood Development Order.
The Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets out the timetable for the production of planning policy documents.
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out how we involve the residents, businesses and others when we look at local development.
Detailed advice or guidance on policies in an adopted local plan.
Other non-statutory or locally adopted planning policy guidance
Gathering evidence and factual information to help identify the area's issues and needs is an important aspect of the process of planning.
Local Development Orders, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders
This register contains details of previously developed land or buildings suitable for housing
An article 4 direction is a direction which enables the local planning authority to withdraw specified permitted development rights across a defined area.
Information about planning applications for radioactive waste management in Somerset
Pages in Building control
Somerset Building Control provides a modern, flexible building control service to business and householders in the South West.
If you are unsure whether your building is listed, you can check using the links available
How we work to make sure that our planning policies are followed
Working to address water quality issues impacting sites including the Somerset Levels and Moors
Includes exemptions and levies
Pages in Planning Enforcement
If you suspect a breach of planning control, you can complete the breach of planning form
Our Planning Enforcement Policy provides details on Somerset Council’s approach to investigating unauthorised development
Pages in Phosphates
Background information about phosphate levels on the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site
Somerset Council needs to minimise the risk of unacceptable amounts of phosphates in the Somerset Levels and Moors.
It was required for local planning authorities to consider the nutrients impacts of any new plans and projects
The first step in understanding the implications of development on phosphate levels is the publication of a Phosphate Calculator
Find out the latest position on the progress of the interim strategy
Templates and guidance to assist applicants with preparing Nutrient Neutrality And Mitigation Statements
Somerset Council’s position following Government Announcement of 29 August 2023
Potential Third Party Phosphate Mitigation Schemes in the Somerset Levels and Moors Catchment Area
Seeking submissions of land promoted for delivery of either Phosphate Mitigation Schemes or Biodiversity Net Gain, to help unlock development in Somerset
Pages in Community Infrastructure Levy and Section 106 Agreements
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge on a new development to contribute to support or refurbish existing infrastructure.
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a charge on a new development to contribute to support or refurbish existing infrastructure.
Section 106 agreements, or planning obligations, are legal agreements between Local Authorities and developers which are linked to a planning permission.
An Infrastructure Funding Statement is a summary of contributions received from developers to support a new development
Includes information about major projects planned for our area
Includes historic and listed buildings
Includes Tree Preservation Orders and hedgerow removal
Pages in Significant planning projects
Significant development schemes currently being progressed through the planning and place-making process
Garden Town status for Taunton represents a once in a generation opportunity to improve the lives of our community
The former Mendip District Council commissioned environmental and planning consultants LUC to develop a Masterplan for Shepton Mallet town centre
Information about the purchase of land to regenerate Frome town centre
The former Somerset West and Taunton Council produced an ambitious, up to date Draft Masterplan for the Firepool regeneration site in Taunton town centre.
Pages in Heritage and landscape
Heritage and landscape overview
Conservation areas are defined under the legislation as "areas of special architectural or historic interest"
A listed building is a building included on the 'List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest' created by Historic England.
The Local Heritage List is a register of buildings, structures, features, or places with a special contribution to the character of Somerset
There are useful sources of information about the conservation of historic buildings, their care, repair and maintenance
If your project might impact the landscape, you may need a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment
Pages in Trees and hedges
Bird nesting season usually takes place between March and September each year.
Protecting trees within the conservation area boundary from harmful topping, lopping, or felling
The purpose of a Tree Preservation Order is to protect trees that are significant to their local surroundings
All trees in conservation areas are protected from unnecessary felling or lopping
Proposals for development and redevelopment of land need to include appropriate measures for the retention of existing vegetation.
Hedgerows on non-domestic land, around fields and along roadsides
If your neighbour owns an evergreen hedge close to your property you can make a formal complaint to your Somerset Council
How to prepare a tree survey or Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Method Statement
The impact from Ash Dieback will be a highly significant, with big changes to our landscape
Guidance on tree maintenance, inspections and your rights
Apply to get permission to remove a countryside hedgerow
Includes how we work to protect our environment
Including local land charge searches and highways land charge searches
We are responsible for processing applications to register land as a town or village green in Somerset
Pages in Biodiversity and planning
Working with other organisations, groups and communities - projects to improve and protect Somerset's wildlife
Seeking submissions of land promoted for delivery of either Phosphate Mitigation Schemes or Biodiversity Net Gain, to help unlock development in Somerset
Biodiversity Net Gain aims to leave the natural environment in a better state than it was before
Calculating the value of habitats for important species
Information on ecological networks, National Planning Policy Framework and Biodiversity
Assessments to look at the effect of our plans on species protected by European Law
Habitats Regulations Assessments identify any likely impacts of a plan or planning application
We offer a range of professional ecological services to clients outside the Council
Pages in Local land charges
A Local Land Charge Search is carried out when a property or a piece of land is being purchased, leased or valued
Perform searches online using our map based search facility
We hold information about the status and extent of the highways in Somerset
Pages in Countryside, farming and open spaces
We are responsible for processing applications to register land as a town or village green in Somerset
Fly-grazing is when a horse is left on someone's land without the permission of the landowner.
Information on the data sources for this study
Includes information regarding viewing the commons register
Greenspaces are essential to healthy and vibrant local communities. This audit provides a catalogue of greenspaces in the towns, villages and hamlets of the District.
Includes information on built facilities and playing pitch strategy, as well as supplementary planning documents
Includes information about how to name or number a new building or street or rename an existing property or street
Tackling the Climate Emergency through both mitigation of and adaptation to projected climate change.
Information to help with every stage of your project
Pages in Street naming and numbering
The Council manages the naming of streets and the numbering or naming of residential and business properties within a street
We aim to keep street nameplates in good repair and fitted in suitable positions. Please notify us of a damaged or missing nameplate
Pages in Conservation and sustainability
Working towards a climate resilient Somerset
Conservation areas are defined under the legislation as "areas of special architectural or historic interest"
Tackling the Climate Emergency through both mitigation of, and adaptation to, projected climate change.
Information about the impact of new development on flood risk and resilience to flooding
Includes information about the TRIPLE C partnership
Scheduling is the process through which important sites and monuments are given legal protection
Somerset Local Nature Recovery Strategy will set local priorities and identify opportunities for co-ordinated action to help nature thrive
Pages in Build Your Own Home
The Council maintains a register of those interested in self-build and custom house-building
Up-to-date information on properties and land for sale
Travel information packs for new developments where Somerset Council have been commissioned to provide Travel Plan Coordination
Includes our Asset Register and property information
Pages in Getting Around Somerset
Information for residents of Agusta Park, Yeovil to help with sustainable travel around the local area
Information for residents of Brimsmore, Yeovil to help with sustainable travel around the local area
For residents of Kingsfield, Glastonbury to help you make sustainable travel choices getting around the local area
As part of the planning application process for the Orchard Grove development, a Travel Plan was produced for residents
Pages in Council property and land
Includes the Corporate Asset Management Plan and Asset Report
Find out about our investments.
Includes advice on saving energy, energy management and funding
Stay informed about Planning Policy news and public consultations with our Plan-it Somerset newsletter.
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