A NEW ‘Local Plan Options Report’ is set to be put forward for consultation as the area’s planning and growth could be shaped for the next 20 years.

This comes as a response from Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) Council to the Government’s housing targets, which were introduced last year.

Options being discussed include bringing housing, transport, business space, infrastructure and public spaces.

The report sets out how this growth could be planned for, to create sustainable communities, protect the district’s unique character and address the climate and ecological emergency.

Having consulted last year on their earlier target of 14,000 new homes over twenty years, B&NES Council has reset its Local Plan Options Report after the government almost doubled the target to 27,000 over eighteen years.

Across North East Somerset, the average house price is around twelve times the average workplace earnings.

Cabinet is being asked to approve the Local Plan Options report to go out for a six-week public consultation from October 3 to November 14.

When agreed, the statutory Local Plan will guide development and land use across Bath and North East Somerset until 2043, with adoption scheduled for summer 2027.

Options include growth in the Somer Valley supported by major transport improvements, new homes and facilities in Keynsham and Saltford villages, mixed-use development in central Bath, reuse of brownfield and underused sites, and a more flexible approach to village growth where it supports services and sustainability.

Councillor Matt McCabe, cabinet member for built environment, housing and sustainable development, said: “The challenge from Government is huge. Doubling our housing target is a massive hurdle.

“We understand the concerns of our local communities, especially where past developments failed to deliver much-needed infrastructure.”

Any development would need to demonstrate exceptional design quality, landscape sensitivity and clear public benefit. It would also be subject to rigorous heritage and environmental assessment.

The options put forward also raise the question of whether land could be brought forward to deliver homes, support jobs and allow for investment.

Councillor Kevin Guy, council leader, added: “Planning is a highly regulated system. The Local Plan Options consultation must test all ‘reasonable alternatives’ for potential development. The options include potential sites which may not be suitable.

“That’s why we need local knowledge as part of the consultation. We also want to challenge the idea that Bath cannot provide the housing that local people need. We want to prove that Bath can be an exemplar for sustainable development which enhances and protects our heritage.

“The Local Plan is an opportunity for ambitious, transformational change, but we need to work with partners and residents to manage the process.”

If approved at cabinet level, the Local Plan Options public consultation will run from Friday, October 3, to Friday, November 14.

Residents will have a range of opportunities to share their views, for example at pop-up events in Midsomer Norton Bath, Keynsham, and rural areas.

Targeted outreach to young people, renters and other underrepresented groups and community group briefings and conversations are also set to take place.