Midsomer Norton is set for further housing growth and continued town-centre development under Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Draft Local Plan 2025–2043.
The plan, due before B&NES Cabinet on 10 September, sets out where future development should take place and the policies against which planning applications will be judged. It does not itself grant planning permission.
Midsomer Norton is classed as a Tier 1 settlement because of its excellent connectivity and wide range of services and facilities, making it one of the locations considered suitable for future growth.
The draft plan includes both housing still expected from existing Local Plan allocations and new housing allocations proposed for 2025–2043.
Midsomer Norton already has 145 homes still to be built under the existing Local Plan. The new draft plan proposes another 292 homes, bringing the total to 437.
The draft plan proposes around 4,600 homes across Somer Valley; which covers Midsomer Norton, Radstock, Westfield, Peasedown St John, Paulton and Farrington Gurney.
Included in the draft plan is detailed information about Land to the North of Midsomer Norton, Chilcompton Road, Thicket Mead and the High Street.
The draft plan keeps several existing Midsomer Norton planning policies in place including Midsomer Norton Town Park, the former Welton Bibby & Baron manufacturing site and Silver Street. These are described as “Saved Policies”, meaning the existing planning policies for these sites will continue.
Land to the North of Midsomer Norton
Land immediately north of Midsomer Norton, broadly between the existing town and Clandown, is being treated differently. This large area stretches from around Monger Lane and Thicket Mead towards Clandown, with Fosse Lane running through part of it and the Norton Radstock Greenway along much of its southern edge.
“Land to North of Midsomer Norton” Source: https://bathnesplaces.co.uk/
It has been identified as part of a longer-term Growth Zone rather than as development that can be delivered through the current Local Plan.
B&NES says major and costly transport infrastructure would first be needed before substantial development could take place there. The area will instead be explored further through the WECA Spatial Development Strategy and the next B&NES Local Plan.
In the longer term, the council estimates that land north of Midsomer Norton could potentially accommodate around 5,000 to 8,000 homes, together with employment development, if the necessary transport improvements and funding can be secured.
Chilcompton Road
The draft plan proposes development on the southern edge of Midsomer Norton around Chilcompton Road. It states that development will deliver around 160 homes, including a mix of different dwelling types and sizes. The draft plan also identifies possible improvements including new pavements, lower traffic speeds and a pedestrian link towards Staddlestones Park, while also highlighting limited public transport, distance from local services and environmental constraints.
The Chilcompton Road site is already the subject of a separate outline planning application for up to 113 homes by Taylor Wimpey, including new vehicle and pedestrian access from Chilcompton Road, public open space, tree planting, habitat creation and drainage works. The public consultation closed on 31 July 2026 and the application is still awaiting a decision, with B&NES currently giving a target decision date of 31 October 2026.
Its inclusion in the draft plan does not mean planning permission has been granted.
Thicket Mead
The draft plan proposes around 130 homes at Thicket Mead, with a mix of different house types and sizes. It also places a strong emphasis on walking, cycling and access, including a new route through the site linking the Norton Radstock Greenway with the A362 and a direct pedestrian and cycle connection to Tesco.
The former railway line through the southern part of the site would be protected for possible future walking and cycling use. The plan notes that Thicket Mead is also next to proposed cycle links towards the Somer Valley Enterprise Zone, which would eventually connect onwards towards Farrington Gurney through the Somer Valley Links project.
The draft plan requires development to protect and improve existing trees, hedgerows, habitats and green spaces, provide biodiversity improvements and sustainable drainage, and create a connected network of green infrastructure through the site.
Midsomer Norton High Street
Midsomer Norton High Street is also included specifically in the draft plan. The High Street is expected to remain an important shopping and service centre for the Somer Valley.
The draft plan states that “The [Midsomer Norton] Town Centre will be known as a welcoming gateway to Somerset’s natural beauty, and for its quirky and eco-friendly shopping. Its calendar of unique community-led events.”
The loss of premises used for shops, cafés and restaurants, banks and professional services, offices, indoor leisure, health services, nurseries and similar commercial uses will generally be resisted where planning permission is required. The intention is to retain active businesses and services in the town centre.
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is also required. For qualifying developments in Midsomer Norton, the minimum affordable housing requirement is 30 per cent, subject to the detailed policy requirements.
Viewing the Draft Local Plan
Residents can see the Draft Local Plan and supporting documents for the whole of B&NES:
If B&NES Cabinet approves the draft, it will move to a formal public consultation. Residents will then be able to view the plan and submit comments through the B&NES Local Plan consultation pages.
After public consultation, the plan and the responses received will be sent to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.
B&NES is currently aiming to adopt the new Local Plan in summer 2027.
What are your thoughts on the Draft Local Plan?
