South Somerset District Council's 16,000 new homes plan

Views are being sought over plans to build 16,000 new homes across South Somerset over the next 16 years.

Areas for housing growth until 2028 have been outlined in South Somerset District Council's local plan.

The local plan is a blueprint for jobs and housing growth used by local authorities. Almost half of the new homes, 7,800, will be built in Yeovil.

About 3,500 homes will be built in smaller market towns and the rest in villages the council has proposed.

Buffer zone

In Yeovil, about 2,500 new homes will be constructed around the south and west of the town in the Yeovil Urban Extension, if the plan is approved.

An East and North Coker buffer zone will also be considered.

Although the north and west town options for Yeovil were investigated. This option has already been discounted by the council because of transport problems.

It would mean greater reliance on travelling by car and has no adequate bus or cycle links.

Councillors approved the document for public consultation after a full council meeting in April.

The public consultation is set to open on 28 June and will run for six weeks until 10 August.

Once the consultation ends, a planning inspector will examine the blueprint and make recommendations to the council.