You've likely heard that we'll be voting on August 21st for the Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan (INP) 2025. But what is it? What are we voting for? How will it affect us? - we've cover the main topics from the rather hefty document.
For full transparency, you can download and view the full document from the councils website.
Discover How the Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan Shapes the Future of Our Town
The Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan 2025–2040 outlines a bold, community-led vision to guide housing, green space, infrastructure, and economic growth in Ilminster. From 839 new sustainable homes to enhanced green corridors, improved leisure facilities, and better walking and cycling routes, this legally binding plan gives residents a powerful voice in local development. Learn how the INP protects Ilminster’s unique heritage, boosts local business, and tackles climate change—all while securing greater Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding for local projects.
10 Key Points from the Ilminster Neighbourhood Plan (INP)
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839 New Homes by 2040
Ilminster must accommodate 839 new homes as required by government targets. The INP allows the town to influence where and how these homes are built—focusing on sustainability, good design, and infrastructure support.
These will mostly be built in the west of the town, in whats called the Shudrick Valley / Canal Way development site.
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Protecting Ilminster's Green Spaces
The INP designates and protects eight key Local Green Spaces like Wharf Lane Rec and Herne Hill. These areas are to be preserved and enhanced as part of a Green Corridor for recreation and biodiversity.
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Sustainability and Climate Action
Ilminster has declared a climate emergency and the INP aligns with the One Planet Living principles, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. This includes more tree planting, green energy, and encouraging cycling/walking.
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Better Access and Movement
Policies aim to reduce car dependency, improve safe walking and cycling routes, and explore traffic-calming and sustainable transport options, especially linking residential areas to the town centre and schools.
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Strategic Development & Design
All new developments must meet high design standards, with features like on-site energy generation, adequate parking, and access to nature. The plan includes specific guidance on site layout and housing types.
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Supporting Local Economy & Tourism
The plan encourages supporting independent shops, local food producers, and making Ilminster more attractive for visitors. It also designates a new Environmental Employment Zone west of town to support small and eco-focused businesses.
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Protecting Ilminster’s Heritage
The INP includes policies to protect historic buildings and views, ensuring new development complements Ilminster’s rich heritage, especially the conservation area and iconic buildings like The Minster and Market House.
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More Leisure Facilities
There’s a strong push for new leisure infrastructure, especially a multi-use indoor sports centre and better play areas and parks for all ages, including better access for those with disabilities.
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More Funding for Ilminster
With the plan in place, Ilminster’s share of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) will rise from 15% to 25%—money that can be spent locally on roads, schools, green spaces, and more.
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Community-Led and Legally Binding
The INP was developed through extensive public consultation (in 2019), including schools and local organisations. Once approved via referendum, it becomes a legal planning document, giving residents real power over future developments.
It's a positive step from the town council to try and hold the county council planners, to a standard befitting the town. After all, the county councillors would not have the local knowledge of how to evolve the town, in a considered and appropriate way. At worst, it unlocks an additional 10% of funding for the town council, through increases in the levy from 15% to 25%, which they can invest in the town directly. As always, please read the documentation above to form your own opinion before voting.
- Danny, Ilminster Resident
1 comment
My immediate concern is that the new shops opening lack presentation/design
The flashing outdoor signage, the ridiculous shop frontage colour choices, the narrow footpath space because shops using space for displaying its products, foot space that is now also accommodating electric buggies which are essential but maybe thought can be given for these vechicles to travel on the road which would make it more dignified for these shoppers
Maybe there should be a communal space set up so that buggies and wheelchairs can also shop remembering that some users cannot walk without help
Finally, Ilminster has a beautiful town centre so, why is it that the shops/offices immediately in this area are let out to, for example, charity shops, alcoholic drink outlets. These spaces are premium and therefore town planners should adhere to good design in order to attract more visitors to our town.