Core Strategy

The Core Strategy is the key document in the Framework. It will set out:

• The vision and objectives that will guide change in the District over the next 20 years.
• The strategy for key settlements, villages and the countryside, including decisions about where new development will go.
• Core policies that will help to achieve the vision and the overall strategy for Mendip, including development management policies.
• Strategic Development sites where large scale housing and employment developments can be best accommodated.

Policies and proposals in the Core Strategy are not just concerned with delivering homes and jobs. The strategy is also concerned with delivering key infrastructure like schools, health facilities and shops as well as shaping new development patterns to, for example, reduce the need to travel and improve public safety. Responding to climate change and the use of natural resources are also critical issues for the plan. Many of these aspects require joint working with other agencies like the County Council, the Primary Care Trust and the Police, as well as interests in the private and voluntary sector. In order to better inform these aspects, the council is preparing the Core Strategy alongside the Sustainable Community Strategy in association with the Mendip Strategic Partnership.

What's the current position?

The Core Strategy for Mendip is currently being prepared and a broad timetable is set out in one of the sections below.

The 'Time to Plan' and 'Time to Plan : Archived Documents' webpage sets out the work we have undertaken to date including public consultation phases.

When the content of the plan begins to emerge we will update this page accordingly.

What is the Timetable for the Process?

The detailed timetable for the new work is set out in the revised Local Development Scheme.

Broadly speaking the timetable will run as follows:

• Winter 2008: Reporting back to the public to gain views on the overall approaches that should be examined in more detail. Aspects to be explored will include:-
  • All the local issues raised in the spring consultation
  • Further background research information
  • Emerging solutions
  • Initial development site options
• Autumn 2009: Key decisions will need to be made at this "Preferred Options" stage to establish the ultimate direction of the Core Strategy.
• Spring 2010: Having prepared and tested policies based upon the chosen Preferred Options, the draft Core Strategy will be submitted to the Secretary of State and again will be subjected to public consultation.
• Autumn 2010: Examination in Public - the Core Strategy will be explored by an independent inspector drawing on background information and input from invited stakeholders.
• Early 2011: Issue of the Inspectors report whose recommendations will be binding upon the council.
• Mid 2011: Formal adoption of the Core Strategy.

Contact

Last Updated

30 June 2010

Page last updated on 30 June 2010