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North Somerset Council's Executive will be asked to approve the consultation for a new draft Local Plan on Wednesday (2 February) and agree to launch that public consultation.
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 public consultations in 2020 which received over 4,500 responses. The responses received from the next 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 also takes seriously the council's commitment to tackling climate change and environmental issues such as 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 the consultation provided the perfect opportunity to give communities a say in any changes affecting their area.
"The Government have instructed 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."
Public consultation on the draft plan will take place for at least six weeks in March and April. The aim of the consultation is to discuss the emerging approach with communities, businesses, developers and other stakeholders and the council are seeking views from as wide a range of people and organisations as possible.
It is intended that the public consultation will involve a mix of virtual and face-to-face meetings and be held from Monday 14 March.
To find out more visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/newlocalplan