THE planning blueprint that will guide growth and development in West Somerset over the next two decades can now be scrutinised by the local community.

West Somerset Council is preparing a new Local Plan to replace its District Local Plan, adopted in 2006, that sets out its plans for another 2,900 homes up to the year 2032.

Land earmarked for possible development includes Hopcott Road in Minehead, Parsonage Farm, in Watchet, and sites north and west of Williton.

A number of villages would see some smaller scale development, although no formal land allocations will be made.

Cllr Keith Turner, lead member for the Local Plan, said: “I am pleased with the progress of this key document as we need to have a robust Local Plan in place to guide development over the next 20 years.

“New rules governing planning were introduced in 2012, the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

“This means that all Local Plans now have to conform to the NPPF and I am proud to say that West Somerset Council is set to be among the leaders as, nationally fewer than 30 out of 334 local authorities have an adopted plan that’s compliant with the NPPF.”

The County Gazette reported in January that town and parish councillors were concerned the infrastructure of West Somerset would not be able to support all the new homes.

Minehead Mayor Cllr Les Smith said: “There aren’t enough schools, hospitals, roads or jobs to support the development.”

Both Watchet town councillor Sally De Renzy-Martin and Williton town councillor Rebecca James were concerned with the lack of jobs in the area to support the number of houses.

Residents have a six-week window to have their say on the draft Local Plan from February 10 until March 23.

After the consultation period, the document will undergo further scrutiny by a Planning Inspector who will make recommendations before it goes forward for formal adoption next year.

All the proposed submission documents can be viewed online at www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk/Local-Plan-Publication