The project design team are working on a range of technical assessments to inform the design work for this development.
Where details are available, we have provided information about the Planning policy behind these studies, the results of the assessments, and the impact that they are having on our Masterplan for the SVEZ.
We have completed carbon modelling for the site, and are currently working on our Zero Carbon strategy. This is likely to be tied to Local Plan Partial Update policy.
The government's Environment Bill (2020) sets out requirements for new developments to result in a net gain of biodiversity (either on-site or in the nearby area). We have completed a baseline assessment of the biodiversity impact of our Masterplan using Natural England's Biodiversity Calculator.
We are planning to provide the majority of the required 10% Biodiversity Net Gain on-site at the Enterprise Zone, with approximately two hectares of 'off-set' areas nearby.
View a Natural England video explaining biodiversity net gain
View a Planning topic paper explaining Biodiversity Net Gain requirements and policy
View our dedicated section on transport assessment projects and proposals
This assessment is ongoing. We will take appropriate measures to address any impacts we identify.
This assessment is ongoing. We will take appropriate measures to address any impacts we identify.
The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF, paragraph 194) sets out the responsibility of developers to produce a Heritage Statement for new developments. This means an assessment of the significance of heritage assets and / or their settings which may be affected by a development, and of the impacts of that development upon them. Heritage assets include any building, structure or place with a historical or cultural value.
The work to prepare this Statement is ongoing. We will take appropriate measures to address any impacts we identify.
This assessment is ongoing. We will take appropriate measures to address any impacts we identify.
We will update this section with details of ongoing work when these become available.
The site is designated as having a Zone 1 flood risk, meaning a low probability of flooding, and is appropriate for development. View flood risk mapping for Midsomer Norton.
We have prepared a drainage strategy, to deal with storm water on-site and reduce the risk of flooding. This includes plans for a Sustainable Drainage System (or SuDS, which provides an alternative to the direct channelling of surface water through networks of pipes and sewers to nearby watercourses) and cellular soakaway crates, to reduce water run-off.
View our LDO consultation page for more details on supporting documents