The Nether Stowey Neighbourhood Plan was formally adopted by Sedgemoor District Council on 29th June 2021. Its adoption transferred to Somerset Council in 2023.
Following the successful referendum on 6th May 2021, Sedgemoor District Council formally ‘made’ the Nether Stowey Neighbourhood Plan, and the plan now forms part of the Statutory Development Plan for the area. This continues under the Somerset (Unitary) Council.
Planning decisions should be made in accordance with the Development Plan, unless there are other material considerations that indicate otherwise. The adopted Nether Stowey Neighbourhood Plan is available to view here: Nether Stowey Neighbourhood Plan – Adoption Version. Other documents related to the Neighbourhood Plan can be found at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/planning-buildings-and-land/neighbourhood-planning/made-neighbourhood-plans/
The Neighbourhood Plan for Nether Stowey parish was overwhelmingly approved by residents at the Referendum held on Thursday 6th May. The results are as follows:
- Votes cast: 396 (total electorate 1,171)
- YES – 338 votes
- NO – 55 votes
- Rejected – 3
There was a turnout of 34.32% of Nether Stowey electors with 85.4% in favour of the Plan being adopted and used by Sedgemoor District Council to help it to decide planning applications in the parish.
The Neighbourhood Plan was written by a group of local residents, overseen by the Parish Council with the help of a professional consultant. the referendum was organised by Sedgemoor District Council. The referendum asked: ‘Do you want Sedgemoor District Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Nether Stowey to help it decide planning applications in the Neighbourhood Area?’ with a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vote.