The Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West -
Impact on Yeovil
The Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West (RSS) has been released by the Government and points the way to what is proposed for Yeovil over the next 20 years.
This strategy sets out policies on housing, employment and the environment, which are intended to guide development in the South West.
The key headline for South Somerset is that provision should be made for 19,700 new dwellings with Yeovil meeting the bulk of the District's housing need. Of this total it is proposed that 6,400 dwellings should be located within the existing urban area of Yeovil, 5,000 within possible urban extensions and 8,300 elsewhere in the District.
The Government is intending to publish their final proposals in May / June following which there will be a 12-week period for public consultation on proposed changes. Following consultation the Government is expected to publish the final Regional Spatial Strategy in the autumn.
The RSS proposals present a tremendous challenge particularly if the delicate balance between town and country is to be maintained and will be an ongoing priority for Yeovil Vision over the coming months particularly during the period of public consultation.