The Planning and Transport Policy Sub-Committee of North Somerset Council met on 27 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the review of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), the adoption of the Kingston St Mary Neighbourhood Plan, and the review of the Nexus Local Development Order (LDO). Decisions were made to approve the BSIP with minor amendments, adopt the Kingston St Mary Neighbourhood Plan, and retain the Nexus LDO with a revised review process.

Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Review 2024

The Service Manager for Transport Commissioning, Natasha Bates, introduced the review of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), which is due for re-submission to the Department for Transport (DfT) by 12 June 2024. The Sub-Committee discussed the need to highlight Somerset's rurality and the high number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEETS). Councillor Bill Revans proposed the recommendations, which were seconded by Councillor Richard Wilkins.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

• Approve the content of the draft BSIP and the BSIP Overview Table.
• Delegate authority to the Head of Transportation to make minor amendments and finalise the BSIP for submission to the DfT.
• Agree to submit the final BSIP 2024 and BSIP overview table to the DfT by 12 June 2024 and publish it on the Somerset Council website.

Kingston St Mary Neighbourhood Plan to be Made

The Senior Policy Planning Officer, Ann Rhodes, presented the report on the Kingston St Mary Neighbourhood Plan, which received a positive result in the referendum. The Sub-Committee discussed the proposed cycling routes to North Petherton and expressed their satisfaction with the plan.

Councillor Bill Revans proposed the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Richard Wilkins. Councillor Dixie Darch abstained from voting due to a declared interest.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

• Adopt the Kingston St Mary Neighbourhood Development Plan as part of the statutory Development Plan, to be used in determining planning applications in the Neighbourhood Area.

Nexus Local Development Order

The Principal Planning Policy Officer, James Holbrook, introduced the report on the Nexus Local Development Order (LDO). The report requested a review to ensure compliance with Condition 1 and proposed amendments to address typographical errors and insert an additional review period.

Councillor Richard Wilkins proposed the recommendations, seconded by Councillor Dixie Darch.

The Sub-Committee resolved to:

• Retain the LDO as it stands, with the additional text for Condition 1, ensuring a review on the 5th anniversary and a second review within five years of the first review.

Forward Plan

The Head of Planning, Alison Blom-Cooper, introduced the forward plan. The Sub-Committee noted the following items due to be reported at the next meeting:

• Local Transport Plan – draft for consultation
• Outcome of the review on the Minerals Plan
• Puriton Neighbourhood Plan to be Made
• Mendip Local Plan Part II Site Allocations Review