Somerset Statement of Community Involvement Consultation

Overview

The new Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) will set out how Somerset Council will involve our communities, organisations and other interested parties in the planning process. This includes when we prepare and consult on our future planning policy documents, including our Local Plan, and how we will involve people and organisations when we assess and decide on planning applications for new development. We are consulting on the draft SCI from 1^st February 2023 to 16^th March 2023.

Why your views matter

Under Government legislation the new Somerset Council is required to produce a SCI. With the formation of the new Somerset Unitary from April 2023 there is a need to produce a new single SCI for the whole of the new Somerset planning authority area. This will ensure a consistent approach to how we engage with our communities on planning matters. We have prepared a draft document and are seeking your views on this. Please feel free to comment on anything you think may help us improve the document further.

What happens next

After the consultation has ended we will refine the document, taking into the account the comments received. The SCI will then be taken forward for adoption when the new Somerset Council is established later this year.

If you would like to watch a video with a short explanation about the consultation please click here. 

How to Comment

Please submit your views to us in one of the following ways:

• The quickest and easiest way to comment is to click on the link below.
• Email us at localplanningpolicy@somerset.gov.uk 
• Write to us at Somerset County Council, Planning Policy, SCI Consultation, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset TA1 4DY.