Planning Applications

Viewing and Commenting on Planning Applications

Residents are encouraged to stay informed about planning applications in and around West Huntspill and Alstone. All current and historic applications can be viewed through the Somerset Council planning portal:

Somerset Council Planning Portal: www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land/view-and-comment-on-a-planning-application/

On the portal you can search for applications by postcode or address, view submitted documents and plans, track the progress of an application, and submit comments or objections. West Huntspill and Alstone fall within the Sedgemoor (North) district area of Somerset Council.

Note: Comments submitted by the public are a material consideration in the planning process. Residents are encouraged to engage, particularly where applications may affect the character, environment, or infrastructure of the village.

Planning Enforcement

You can report a suspected breach to Somerset Council using their online planning enforcement form, which asks you to select your district (or enter a postcode) before taking you to the relevant report page.If you suspect a breach of planning control, you can complete the breach of planning form — when reporting, it’s best to include the site address, a clear description of the alleged breach, and any dates or evidence (like photos).

https://www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land/planning-enforcement/

The West Huntspill & Alstone Parish Plan 2017

The Parish Council completed a comprehensive community survey in 2017, which produced the West Huntspill & Alstone Parish Plan. The plan captures the views and priorities of residents across a wide range of topics and provides important context for how the community feels about planning and development in the area. Its key findings relevant to planning are summarised below.

Housing

A clear majority of residents (61%) were opposed to further housing development in the village. Those open to some additional housing expressed a preference for homes with off-road parking (27%), small family homes (22%), warden-controlled housing for older residents (19%), homes for people with disabilities (12%), and shared ownership properties (12%). The Parish Council considers each planning application on its individual merits but takes the community’s views seriously in forming its position.

Environment and Character

Residents identified the village’s location, natural environment, and community character as the most important aspects of living in West Huntspill. Improvements called for included better maintenance of footpaths, rhines, verges and hedges; more dog waste bins; cleaner streets; and the provision of a local shop. The Parish Council regards the preservation of the village’s rural character as a key consideration in its response to planning proposals.

Transport and Parking

With an average of 1.9 motorised vehicles per household and limited public transport, car dependency in the village is high. Parking issues were identified across many streets, with particular hotspots at Ringstone, Silver Street, Plymor Road, Millgreen Close, Greenwood Close, Alstone Road, Church Road, and New Road during school hours. Any development proposal that increases traffic or reduces parking availability will be viewed critically by the Parish Council in light of these existing pressures.

Road Safety

85% of residents identified road safety concerns in the village. The most significant danger spot identified was the Crossways junction, followed by the Main Road (A38) and the area around the school on New Road. Residents called for pedestrian crossings, speed reduction measures, and improved visibility at several junctions. The Parish Council actively pursues improvements to road safety with the relevant authorities.