Landowners are being urged to bring forward their land to meet increasing housing needs in Somerset.

The Somerset Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) has just been published, which shows a significant increase in housing needs in the area covering the local authorities of Mendip, Sedgemoor, South Somerset and Taunton Deane.

This will have important implications for future Local Plans and could require an additional 16,189 new homes over and above currently planned rates in the period to 2039.

Local Authority figures show adopted and emerging plans will provide 41,479 houses in these areas, but the projected need by 2039 will be 57,668, meaning there is currently a shortfall of 16,189 homes.

This level of growth is likely to require further development sites to be allocated within and on the periphery of existing towns and villages.

Tim Hoskinson of Savills' planning team in Wimborne said: “Planning for future housing needs is a major challenge that will require local planning authorities, landowners, developers, and local communities to work together to ensure development is appropriately located, well designed, and supported by the necessary infrastructure.”

Julian Harbottle of Savills' development team in Bristol added: “This is a significant increase in the numbers of houses required in the region and one that will require a flexible approach towards development from all of the relevant local planning authorities.

“As always, the key issue will be where these houses will be located and which landowners come forward in response to these increased targets.”

Peter Grubb of Savills' planning team in Taunton added: “In light of the SHMA, landowners would be wise to seek advice to establish whether their land can be brought forward for development to meet the extra need for houses now identified.”

For more information on the promotion of land for development, contact Tim Hoskinson at Savills Wimborne, on 01202 856851, Julian Harbottle at Savills Bristol on 01179 100329, or Peter Grubb at Savills Taunton, on 01823 446989.