Planning Context

Somerset is facing a significant and growing need for new homes.

This reflects a real and pressing local challenge, ensuring that people who live and work in Somerset can continue to find suitable and affordable homes close to jobs, family and support networks.

Under current Government housing targets, Somerset needs to deliver at least 3,769 new homes every year. This is substantially more homes than have been delivered. For instance, over the past three years Somerset has delivered an average of 2,482 homes per year, which falls 1,287 homes short of the current annual requirement.

Without new, well-located sites coming forward, it will become increasingly difficult for local people, including younger households and key workers, to remain in the area.

Land at Downend represents an opportunity to help address this need in a location that is closely linked to employment, services and existing infrastructure.

Progress to date

Earlier this year MacMic submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Request to Somerset Council. The request has been considered by the Council and it has been determined that the proposal does not require a full Environmental Impact Assessment.

However, the potential impacts of the development will still be considered by standalone technical assessments.

Outline planning process

We are preparing to submit an Outline Planning application to Somerset Council during the Summer 2026.

An Outline Planning application only seeks permission for the principle of development and sets out key parameters to which future reserved matters application(s) will need to accord.

Should Outline Planning permission be granted, detailed proposals known as a Reserved Matters would be subject to a separate future planning application to be agreed with Somerset Council.

Our Outline Planning application will seek agreement of the following matters: