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North Somerset Council is consulting on a new draft Local Plan and people have until 5pm on Friday 29 April to give their views.
The new Local Plan Preferred Options document, identifies where development can and cannot take place in North Somerset and guides investment and funding for new housing, jobs, transport and community facilities until 2038.
The draft plan follows two previous public consultations in 2020 which received over 4,500 responses. The responses received from this consultation will help shape the next version of the local plan. That version will be the document which the council proposes to submit for examination to the Planning Inspectorate and will be the subject of a further round of consultation prior to its submission for examination by an independent inspector.
The plan shows how seriously the council is taking its commitment to tackling climate change and environmental issues through the location and form of development, promoting renewable energy, minimising car use, encouraging green infrastructure and biodiversity, avoiding sensitive areas such as areas at flood risk and minimising waste.
Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member with responsibility for placemaking and economy said this consultation provided the perfect opportunity to give communities a say in any changes affecting their area.
"The Government has commanded North Somerset Council to provide 20,085 homes by 2038 which is extremely challenging when all the physical and environmental restraints are taken into account, including flood zones and green belt.
"This process provides an open, fairer and greener way of shaping communities in the future and we would urge people to have their say and engage in this opportunity. We want to be open about the issues affecting us and the decisions we need to take and that is captured in the draft local plan.
"This plan also rises to the challenge of tackling climate change and our pledge for North Somerset Council to be carbon neutral by 2030."
North Somerset Council is holding a range of events across the district during the consultation period.
Visit one of the drop in sessions to talk to officers about how the local plan process will shape the future development of North Somerset up to 2038.
- Monday 14 March 12.30 to 7pm at Banwell Village Hall.
- Thursday 17 March from 3 to 7pm at Hangstones Pavillion, Yatton.
- Thursday 24 March from 3 to 7pm at Churchill Methodist Church Hall.
- Tuesday 29 March from 3 to 7pm at St James Church Centre, Winscombe.
- Friday 1 April from 3 to 7pm at Tithe Barn, Nailsea.
- Thursday 7 April from 3 to 7pm at Portishead Library.
Two question and answer sessions are also being held as part of the local plan process. Places are limited by the capacity of the hall so early attendance is advised. These sessions will be led by the local councillors.
- Tuesday 22 March from 7.30 to 9pm at Backwell Village Hall.
- Thursday 31 March from 7 to 9pm at Long Ashton Community Centre.
To find out more visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/newlocalplan