Spatial Development Strategy work to begin

The region is set to commence work to develop a Spatial Development Strategy (SDS). 

The SDS would be a comprehensive plan to guide how the West of England will grow in the future. It would consider how we build the right homes in the right places, what roads, schools and hospitals might be needed, how to support local jobs and businesses, and how to protect nature and prepare for climate change. This plan would help shape more detailed Local Plans later on, and will be used in future when decisions are made about new projects.  

Building off our closer partnership, including just this week to secure the Bristol & Portishead Line, the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority would look to work with North Somerset Council on the plan.  

Plans to invest £1.9 million of funding previously allocated to such work, but never spent having previously been halted, will come before the new Mayor and council leaders at their next joint meeting on 18 July. A £500,000 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government would further support the development of the SDS as well as the emerging Growth Strategy. 

The Growth Strategy will be, in line with government guidance, the ‘guiding star’ for any Spatial Development Strategy and other plans and strategies. The SDS should build on the work of the Local Plans already developed by North Somerset and the regional authority’s constituent authorities, Bath & North East Somerset, Bristol, and South Gloucestershire. 

If proposals are approved on 18 July, a series of meetings would be held between the new Mayor and the leader, portfolio holder, and officials from each of the four local councils, ahead of a Memorandum of Understanding. More details would be set to come before the Mayor and council leaders’ joint meeting in October. 

These plans follow the Strategic Place Partnership established in May by the new Mayor with Homes England to support locally-led regeneration and ultimately build more affordable homes for local people. 

West of England Mayoral Combined Authority / Freia Turland.

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said: 

“We need to work together to tackle the housing crisis, deliver growth, and protect our planet. I know that leaders across the West share those priorities. We need to build the right homes in the right places, with the services and infrastructure that people need and deserve. 

“It’s common sense for us to work more closely with North Somerset. Life doesn’t stop at council borders, so we need to think and work together to deliver the best outcomes for local people. 

“A big part of planning for our future is transport. In two months, we’ve already secured three-quarters of a billion pounds of unprecedented investment from government for fixing roads, better buses, more trains, and mass transit. Working with council leaders, I have no doubt that we will get the West moving and connect new homes to jobs and opportunities, culture and leisure, and nature.” 

Councillor Kevin Guy, the Leader of Bath & North East Somerset Council and the Deputy Mayor of the West of England, said: 

  

“This is a big step forward for our region, which has long needed a coordinated approach to planning future homes, jobs, transport, and services. Residents cross council boundaries for work, services, and leisure, so it’s only sensible that we plan together. 

  

“We need more homes, particularly affordable ones, and are working closely with communities to meet central government targets. Our Local Plan will remain central to how we manage growth locally, while joint work on the Spatial Development Strategy helps us prepare for what comes next. 

  

“Well-designed development supports sustainable and inclusive communities- Mulberry Park in Bath is a great example, already delivering over 500 new homes, with 700 expected by the end of next year. Turning plans into reality will require collaboration with developers and central government, and we’ll continue to push for the timely delivery of infrastructure- especially transport links- to help communities thrive.” 

Councillor Tony Dyer, the Leader of Bristol City Council, said:  

“This is an approach that Bristol is fully signed up to and we welcome the opportunity to ensure our city’s strengths can contribute to delivering sustainable and inclusive growth, bringing with it much needed housing, jobs, investment and effective transport infrastructure to the region. Creating safe and healthy neighbourhoods, with affordable, high-quality homes is one of the council’s key priorities. This means we will build the right homes, in the right places and in such a way that we are ensuring communities have access to the services they need and can positively impact on nature and wildlife. Achieving these aims will only come about through working closely with our partners in the region to plan together for the future of the West of England.” 

Councillor Mike Bell, the Leader of North Somerset Council, said:  

“We are ambitious for our area and are working together to drive forward real improvement, change and investment which will benefit our communities now and in future.  North Somerset is set to grow with over 24,000 new homes planned in the next fifteen years. If approved at the meeting later this month, funds will help develop a Spatial Development Strategy which will ensure collectively we have the right infrastructure in place such as housing, schools, and medical facilities ensuring people can live, travel and work in North Somerset and across the West of England area. It will also support and attract new employers to the region, help create the right training opportunities and the right skillsets leading to a higher quality of life for residents across our communities.” 

Councillor Maggie Tyrrell, the Leader of South Gloucestershire Council, said: 

“This paper presents a significant step forward for our region, which has long needed a co-ordinated approach for the future planning of homes, jobs, and transport infrastructure – people don’t live their lives within administrative boundaries.  

  

“Development Plans also do not operate in isolation – so I’m pleased to see that the report makes specific reference to the fact that any work on the SDS must not undermine the Local Plans’ of the constituent councils but should build on them.   

  

“The South Gloucestershire Local Plan is in the final stages of development and will soon be submitted to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate, which will examine the Plan to determine if it is sound.   Having an effective and up-to-date Local Plan helps to protect the district from speculative development and ‘planning by appeal’ and will mean housing is delivered in the most sustainable locations, where schools, health and transport issues can best be addressed.”