URL: https://democracy.bathnes.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2439

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: The Somer Valley Design Code sets out the design requirements for new housing within the Somer Valley which includes the wards of Midsomer Norton North, Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paulton, Peasedown, Radstock and Westfield. The code has been prepared following engagement with stakeholders including parish and town councils. It is intended that the code will be used alongside and to supplement the current adopted Development Plan and the emerging Local Plan, so as to influence the design of housing developments. This report seeks approval of the Design Code SPD for adoption.

Content: The Somer Valley Design Code sets out the design requirements for new housing within the Somer Valley which includes the wards of Midsomer Norton North, Midsomer Norton Redfield, Paulton, Peasedown, Radstock and Westfield. The code has been prepared following engagement with stakeholders including parish and town councils. It is intended that the code will be used alongside and to supplement the current adopted Development Plan and the emerging Local Plan, so as to influence the design of housing developments. This report seeks approval of the Design Code SPD for adoption. The Cabinet Member agrees that   a) The Somer Valley Design Code Supplementary Planning Document as amended following consultation (Appendix 1) is adopted   b) The Head of Planning has delegated authority to make any necessary editorial changes, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, prior to the adoption and publication of the Somer Valley Design Code SPD. The council’s adopted Local Plan includes policies which encourage a high level of design quality (policies D1 -D10). However, these policies are district wide and the development plan does not include any area specific design-related policies.   Changes in national planning policy require councils to produce design codes. Given the varied nature of the district, area-based design codes will be beneficial so as to reflect the specific character of local sub areas. This SPD will serve as a pilot project being the first design code to be produced. It is envisaged that this approach can be replicated in other places within the district subject to the availability of resources.   In light of the changes to the NPPF and increased housing requirement, the council is anticipating proposals for major housing schemes to come forward prior to adoption of the Local Plan 2025 2043. The intention for the SPD is to ensure that new housing developments are designed to be responsive to the Somer Valley’s character and to ensure high quality design. There is no other legislative mechanism to adopt SPDs and to not adopt the SPD would leave standing policy requirements absent of additional and updated detail. The SPD mainly provides guidance on development plan policy requirements and national policy and does not create policy. None

Date of Decision: May 16, 2026