MAY 2019

© Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan Group

WEDMORE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS “

Introduction Socio Economic Consultation: What Profile of Wedmore You Have Told Us

Thanks are due to all of the following, without whom the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan would not have been possible. 03 07 09 1 2 3 Bob Sellwood Chairman of Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan Group Vision for Housing Design and Wedmore Environment “The Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan Group Wedmore Parish Council Alistair Smith Economy and Employment Anne Rolfe Preparation of Documents 13 15 17 B2 Architects Plans 4 5 6 Cathy Butterworth Community and Wellbeing Dave Nicholls Photographs and Distribution Transport Economy Community and Eileen Gillibrand Community and Wellbeing Wellbeing Eileen Wotton Editing Graphic Pezaz Graphic Design Hope-Stone Research Questionnaire Design and Analysis Paul Martin Associates Design and Conservation 21 23 25 Phil Butterworth Website and Photographs 7 8 9 Steve George Transport Housing Appendix 1 Stuart Todd Associates Planning Advice Allocations Glossary 35 Sue Worrall WNP Group Secretary Appendix 2 Tony Pitkin WNP Group Treasurer Statistical Profile 40 Appendix 3 ...and the residents of Wedmore. 27 List of Locally Valued Community Facilities 46 10 02 INTRODUCTION

1.1 This document is the Neighbourhood Plan for 1.4 The Neighbourhood Plan is being prepared Wedmore Parish (hereafter known as ‘Wedmore’). in accordance with the Town & Country Planning It represents one part of the development plan Acts 1990, and the Neighbourhood Planning for the Parish over the period 2017 to 2032, the Regulations 2017. The WNPG has prepared the other part being the 2019 Sedgemoor Local Plan. plan in order to establish a vision for the future This Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared to of the Parish and to set out how that vision will conform with the 2019 Local Plan. For clarity, be realised through influencing land use and the development plan consists of any planning development in the plan period to 2032. policies currently adopted by the local planning authority, Sedgemoor District Council, and this 1.5 The purpose of the Neighbourhood Plan is to Neighbourhood Plan. guide development within the Parish and provide guidance to any interested parties wishing to 1.2 Sedgemoor District Council (SDC), as the local submit planning applications for development planning authority, designated a Neighbourhood within the designated Neighbourhood Area. Area for the whole of Wedmore Parish in The process of producing a plan has involved September 2016. This enabled Wedmore Parish the community as widely as possible and the Council to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan. The different topic areas are reflective of matters that Plan has been prepared by the community are of considerable importance to Wedmore, its through the Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan residents, businesses and community groups. Group (WNPG). It has therefore given the community the opportunity to guide development within their 1.3 The map in Figure 1 shows the boundary of neighbourhood. the Neighbourhood Plan area, which is the same as the administrative boundary of Wedmore 1.6 The Neighbourhood Plan was the subject of a Parish. Referendum on the 2nd May 2019. Of those who voted, 85.5% were in favour of the Plan. On the 22nd May 2019, the Full Council of SDC resolved to ‘make’ the Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan part of the statutory development plan. CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

03 04 05 CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION Plan, where there isany conflict. non-strategic policiesof theSedgemoor Local Parish. Itspoliciestake precedence over the direct sustainabledevelopment in Wedmore Plan, the NP is in addition able to shape and with thestrategic policiesof theDevelopment 1.10 accordance with itspolicies. February 2019, andthe NP hasbeenprepared in new Sedgemoor Local Plan was adopted in and to planpositively to support them. A policies its reflect to required is NP The Plan. policies of theSedgemoor Development and beingeneral conformity with thestrategic the achievement of sustainabledevelopment 1.9 The NPPF requires theNP to contribute to priorities of the wider local area. community, inaccordance with theneedsand types of development are provided for the (NP) provides thetool to ensure that theright planning applications. The Neighbourhood Plan which will determine thedecisionsonfuture their neighbourhood which sets out the policies provides for communities to develop aplanfor Framework (NPPF)inparagraphs 183-185 1.8 The 2012 National Planning Policy Frameworks. has beenprepared to beconsistent with both the assessment of the Neighbourhood Plan, it NPPF is therefore the operative document for the 2012Framework will apply. Whilst the2012 prior to the 24th January 2019, the policies in confirms 214 that where aNeighbourhood Planissubmitted paragraph document, 2012 the published in July 2018andgenerally supersedes 1.7 National andLocal Policy INTRODUCTION Although the2018 version of theNPPF was Having beenproduced ingeneral conformity in Appendix1. 1.14 A Glossary of planningterms canbefound Levy moniesor developer contributions. could befundedby Community Infrastructure the Parish Council or others, or initiatives which signal actions which could betaken forward by focussed ontheuseof land.However, they do in aNeighbourhood Plan(aspolicies) which is community but are not appropriate to include matters which have beensuggested by the aspirations’. These relate to non-land use chapters there isalistof ‘non landusepolicy 1.13 At theendof someof thepolicy topic supporting text. policy, itisread inconjunction with the understand thefull context for any individual will beassessed.Itisadvisablethat, inorder to policies against which planningapplications are presented inthecoloured boxes. Itisthese it isseekingto achieve. The policiesthemselves necessary understandingof thepolicy and what the provides which policies the for justification topic. Under eachheadingthere isthe different a covers plan the of section Each 1.12 How to read thisdocument Assessment (HRA) of thePlan. has also undertaken a Habitats Regulation SEA or HRA isnot required. Sedgemoor Council / SA a that 2018 October in formallyconfirmed As aconsequence, Sedgemoor Council has also sought the views of statutory consultees. Assessment (HRA). Sedgemoor Council has Assessment (SA / SEA) or a Habitats Regulation Sustainability Appraisal /Strategic Environment determine whether theNP will require either a 1.11 Discussions have taken place with SDCto

06 CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 07 CHAPTER 2 - SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE OF WEDMORE and over 60s. of thepopulation. This increase inneedisat both endsof theagespectrum, under 18s Manyresidents perceive medicalthe that capacityreflected not has increasing the needs move to Wedmore to access theschools andnurseriesfor children upto 13 years old. 2.7 on theBristol to Taunton mainline. an also is accessible source of jobs. Airport The nearest Bristol railway station isBurnhamandHighbridge which is Bristol. to and links motorway to access easy the from benefit work from home, with many of themself-employed, people who work outside Wedmore example, printing andcomplementary therapies. Whilst anincreasing number of people agriculture, there are small businessesproviding a varied range of goodsandservices, for many and herds, orchardsfields arable producing apples for cider. traditional Mixing with 2.6 century andadditional accommodation addedsince then. catchmentshave reflectedbeen need the in for new a school first (4-9 year olds) turn the at the of However, thenumber of under 18 year oldshasremained broadly constant. Expandedschool median and mean age which is older than the equivalent figures for England / 2.5 Wales and Somerset. contributed to thelively and varied community life, together with well establishedlocal families. came with thedevelopment of Saxon Way population inthe1980s. and Those who were once housing ‘newcomers’ have in increase recent significant most The Wedmore.in incorporated now has grown over the years. For example, West End was at onetimeaseparate community, butis 2.4 The parishhasapopulation of 3,318according to the2011census. Wedmore’s population Church inthecentre of the village andalsothe views andskylinesinaround the village. makes itadesirable place to live andto visit. Residents particularly value theancient St Mary’s 2.3 Wedmore’s proximity to thecity of Wells andnatural beauty spots like Cheddar andthe AONB visitors. years, givingita very traditional appearance andproviding afocus for Wedmore inhabitants and times. The formation of shops,houses,church andpubshaschanged very littleinthelasthundred 2.2 The mainstreet inthe village, The Borough, hasbeenevident insomeshapeor form since Saxon architectural quality of thearea. the NP area contains alarge number of Listed Buildings which are anindication of the historic and characteristic of ‘rhynes’, reeds and willows. Wedmore village hasitsown Conservation Area and high, varying from the ‘uplands’ of the Isle of Wedmore to the levels or ‘moors’ with their particular the Parish isopencountryside, primarily inagricultural use. The quality of thelandscapeis very to be‘Countryside’, which includes Theale, plus anumber of smaller hamlets. The remainder of and Blackford. Outsideof thesettlement boundaries of Wedmore andBlackford isconsidered all with their own uniquerural characteristics. The Parish consists of two main villages: Wedmore the community, buttheparishis very muchlarger, consisting of anumber of villages andhamlets, from theoldEnglish form of ‘waep’ mor, meaninghunting moor. Wedmore village isthecentre of it was anislandat onetime,surrounded by marshland. The name Wedmore isthought to come hills andontheedgeof theSomerset Levels. The area isalsoknown astheIsle of Wedmore, as 2.1 Overview SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE OF WEDMORE The Parish of Wedmore islocated intheheartof rural Somerset, situated at thefoot of theMendip As well asthe attraction of thepeace andquiet of therural environment, many families In line with national trends, the population profile shows an aging demographic with both a both with demographic aging an shows profile population the trends, national with line In Wedmore still has a number of working farms in and around the village. There are dairy online). in the NP residents’ survey (www.wedmore. These were concerns that were highlighted to ‘downsize’ within their existing community. to remain intheParish andolder people wanting This hasanimpacton younger people wanting are higher thanaverage for thispartof Somerset. dwellings hascontributed to houseprices which live andthelimited increase inthenumber of 2.11 The popularity of Wedmore asaplace to and are afocus for visitors andlocalsalike. tastes for different styles different offer village menswear shops. The three public houses in the the shops,particularly thespecialistladiesand 2.10 People come from milesaround to visit thirds of householdsowning two or more cars. very highreliance oncar usage, with nearly two transport islimited andconsequently there isa Worthington Closecar park. Access to public the availability of car parkingspaces inthe and traffic congestion inthecentre of the village despite in increase the is popularity this of intothe people village centre. However, onedisadvantage attracts this that and offer to facilities andservices their community has 2.9 Inhabitants of Wedmore appreciate the southern France. village istwinned with St Medard deGuizieres in Green Group promote sustainableliving and the Prize and the Wedmore Real Ale Festival. The Fair, the Wedmore Arts Festival, the Turnip and Blackford, Theale Flower Show, theStreet such asHarvest Home celebrations in Wedmore community events take place around theParish, and the Young Farmers Association. Annual and Cultural interests as well asCubs,Brownies clubs andsocieties, catering for Sport,Hobbies spirit andfriendly village life. There are many Wedmore becauseof its vibrant community 2.8 People chooseto live inandaround 2001-2011. • • • • • • • of theNeighbourhood Plan: influenced the Vision, objectives and policies following broad characteristics which have and 2011. These show that thearea hasthe based onCensusinformation for 1991,2001 figures about the plan area. These are largely 2.12 WEDMORE STATISTICAL PROFILE Appendix 2 contains more facts and of new dwellings slowed between as with thepopulation, growth growth duringthesameperiodbut mirroring thepopulation 19 percent between 1991-2011 The number of dwellings increased occupation of larger houses there isahighlevel of owner and national averages and House prices are well above local very highlevel Perceived goodhealthisalsoat a proportion work from home A relatively large andgrowing of unemployment of self-employment andalow level educated with ahighlevel Wedmore residents are well same period proportion of thepopulation over the has seenanoticeable decrease asa increased. The 18–44agegroup proportion of over 65 year oldshas 18’s has remained constant whilst the Since 1991,thepercentage of under has slowed since 2001 the whole 20-year period but Population growth took place over

08 CHAPTER 2 - SOCIO ECONOMIC PROFILE OF WEDMORE 09 CHAPTER 3 - CONSULTATION: What You Have Told Us Primary School. Farm, Westholme Farm andthe site eastof the objection, the more favoured sites were Cross sites received expressions of both supportand than thequestionnaire responses. Whilst most majority of comments related to thesites rather 3.7 ‘post its’), by postor email. Comments could beleft ontheday (forms or issues raised by the Questionnaire and the sites. who were encouraged to comment onthe 2017. This was attended by around 135people was heldinthe Village Hall onthe24th June been putforward, asecond consultation event Questionnaire andtherange of sites that had 3.6 Inorder to explain theresults of the in capacity from 1house to 200homes. A total of 25sites were putforward which varied land forward for consideration asanallocation. the Parish whether they would like to puttheir asked landowners and developers with land in distributed, a‘Call for Sites’ alsotook place. This 3.5 CONSULTATION: WhatYou HaveTold Us - www.wedmore.online. The mainpoints raised were : 3.4 considered to bearepresentative sample. were returned by postor online. This represented 33%of the householdsconsulted andis in March 2017 with comments requested by 12th April 2017. A total of 506 Questionnaires community questionnaire which was sent to every householdinthe Parish. This was distributed 3.3 This level of community supportandtherange of comments ledto thedecisionto prepare a Neighbourhood Planfor Wedmore. a Neighbourhood Planshouldbeprepared. 75% of those who voted wanted to proceed with a Attendees were asked to leave comments (on the day or by post / email) and to ‘vote’ whether Neighbourhood Planis, what itcanachieve andtheprocedural steps involved initspreparation. 3.2 The event took place onthe7thOctober 2016inthe Village Hall. Itexplained what a whether there was broad community supportfor thepreparation of aNeighbourhood Plan. consultation event took place inOctober 2016. The purposeof thisconsultation was to check 3.1 Following thedesignation of theNeighbourhood Planarea inSeptember 2016,aninitial - -

A total of 114 responses were made. The

At thesametimeasQuestionnaire was The full analysis of theQuestionnaire, prepared by Hope-Stone Research, canbeseenon whether infrastructure cancope further development raised concerns abouttraffic, impactonthe environment and a strong senseof community coupled with good amenitiesandfacilities residents chooseto live inthearea becauseitoffers apeaceful rural environment with housing for local people was emphasised. homes for the younger andolder membersof thecommunity. The needfor affordable there was ageneral recognition that development isnecessary, particularly to provide more relevant to Wedmore. The final them make Assessment to modified or droppedwere these relevant to Wedmore (eg. impacton the AONB), Since someof theSedgemoor criteria were not Council inthepreparation of itsLocal Plan. closely related to theoneusedby Sedgemoor developedMatrix wasAssessment whichwas assessment was as objective aspossible, an summer of 2017. Inorder to ensure that the of thedraft Vision (etc.) took place duringthe 3.9 The assessment of sites andpreparation sites for assessment from 25to 10. affordable housing. This reduced the number of that sites of thissize donot have to provide any This was becauseGovernment guidance states any of thesubmitted sites of ten or fewer homes. discount to decided was it housing, affordable community aspirations was thedelivery of sites for allocation. Since one of thestrongest area, broad policy themes and‘front runner’ drafting a‘Vision’, objectives for eachtopic the from community to allow astartto bemadeon feedback sufficient been had there 3.8 Following the June event, it was felt that support was asfollows who expressed a view, thelevel of favourable there were 1,021 individual responses. Of those people attended the events and altogether events, by post,email or online. Around 200 3.11 Again, comments could bemadeat the - - - plus the 2nd December. This asked for views on the Parish Room onthe28thand30thNovember held at the Village Hall andthis was repeated in 3.10 Onthe24thNovember 2017, anevent was 2017 (www.wedmore.online). Assessments’ document prepared inNovember each site assessment canbeseeninthe‘Site of ‘red’, ‘amber’ or ‘green’. The matrix and system light’ ‘traffic a on scored was sites large Matrix contained 13criteria andeachof the Axe Valley Vets,Blackford Trust / WellsHoldenhurst Almshouses 61.7% Westholme East of FirstSchool SITES Farm 73.4% Design Community Employment 89.4% Housing 85.1% 89.4% Transport 78.7% Vision TOPICS 87.2% appeal ontwo occasions. Holdenhurst site that were rejected on to earlier proposals onjustthe in response to publicopposition adjoining land. This was created site related to Holdenhurst and of two landowners sites. The composite which was acomposite site madeup four initial ‘front runner’ sites, oneof broad policy directions the draft Vision andtopic objectives 87.2%

64.8% 77.6% ‘Regulation 14’ version of theplan. these comments and the result was the Draft’ text was reviewed inthecontext of www.wedmore.online‘Working. The and theresponses canbeseenon 3.15 A summary of these representations - zone - - sought - - - issues - - The maincomments were : 3.14 A total of 23 responses were received. by 53people. Rooms onthe11th,12thand15thMay attended There were 3 public exhibitions in the Parish consultation from the11thMay to 1st June 2018. policies, allocations andplans. This was on a ‘Working Draft’ which contained thefull text, of of preparation stage the to confidence with travel’ of the Plan allowed the Group to proceed 3.13 forwarded to the prospective developer. suggestions were received andthese were they would like to see the site developed. 81 be allocated. Instead, people were asked how the community was not asked if the site should 3.12 Since Cross Farm has planning permission, This high level of support for the ‘direction of in theProposals Map. Conservation Area shouldbeshown the settlement boundary and support andobjectionsto a20mph planning terms a request for clearer definition of suggestions that ‘social rent’ is would goto local peopleand scepticism that affordable housing Combe Batch there shouldbetraffic calmingin Holdenhurst site asanallocation an objectionto theomissionof the others raised floodingandtraffic and theConservation Area whilst to theimpactonListed Buildings sufficient regard hadbeengiven allocation. Somequeried whether objections to the Westholme Farm Wedmore FirstSchool objections to theallocation East of 10 CHAPTER 3 - CONSULTATION: What You Have Told Us 3.16 The Regulation 14 NP was placed on consultation from the 14th July to the 8th September 2018. Sedgemoor Council advertised the consultation on its website, notified all organisations on its Local Plan database and undertook consultation with statutory consultees. A summary of the Regulation 14 plan was distributed to each household in the Parish. Four events were advertised in the summary document and via posters and banners in the village. These were :

7th July Attendance at the Wedmore Street Fair

14th July Exhibition at the Masonic Hall

17th July Exhibition at the Masonic Hall

19th July Exhibition at the Parish Room

3.17 Comments were received from six statutory 3.18 Separately from its Regulation 14 response, consultees (Sport England, National Grid, Historic England (HE) wrote to Sedgemoor Wessex Water, the Axe / Brue Local Drainage Council on the 22nd June 2108 in response to the Board, Historic England and Somerset County SA / SEA screening request. Historic England Council) as well as Sedgemoor Council. Thirty expressed concerns whether the proposed three members of the public / developers also allocations had been properly assessed from a responded. A summary of the representations heritage perspective. HE suggested that a more and the NP Group responses can be seen on robust Heritage Assessment evidence base was www.wedmore.online and in the Consultation required. In view of this a Heritage Assessment Statement. Many of the concerns related was commissioned from Kim Sankey of Angel to matters which are outside the scope of a Architecture Ltd. A copy of the Assessment can Neighbourhood Plan. Relevant comments be seen on www.wedmore.online. included 3.19 The Heritage Assessment (September - support for the creation of CLT 2018) was reviewed by HE which confirmed that it considered the Heritage evidence base to - opposition to the proposed open now be satisfactory. space / play area to the rear of Worthington Close 3.20 All of these representations were carefully considered and the plan was amended, as - objection to allocations and support for appropriate. The ‘submission’ (Reg 15) version of allocations the Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan was formally submitted to Sedgemoor Council in November - proposals for a one way road system 2018 who placed the Plan on consultation up to the 21st December 2018. - are all the requirements in the allocations policies fully justified 3.21 Sedgemoor Council then forwarded the by NPPF criteria submission plan, the background evidence base and representations to the independent - calls for more car parking and more Examiner. The Examiner recommended that traffic calming measures with certain modifications the plan could proceed to its Referendum. - seeking an increase in the capacity of the Westholme Farm site and clarifying policy criteria

- clarifying text / plans and additions to the Glossary

- seeking the re-inclusion of the

CHAPTER 3 - CONSULTATION: What You Have Told Us Have Told What You CHAPTER 3 - CONSULTATION: Holdenhurst site following the grant of Us Have Told What You CHAPTER 3 - CONSULTATION: planning permission.

11 12 13 CHAPTER 4 - VISION FOR WEDMORE individual topic chapters (Chapters 5to 9). for thepreparation of policy objectives for the be in 2032, but also provide the starting point out what sortof place Wedmore Parish should 4.4 The purposeof the Vision isnot only to set plan. final this in nowincluded is Vision The support. November 2017 event and 87 % indicated their 4.3 spaces, views andthehistoric environment of Wedmore village.” and level routes. These allocations will belocated where there istheleastimpacton valued open in Wedmore village will befocussed where residents can walk to arange of facilities alongsafe allocations safety, housing new road promote and congestion traffic further minimise toorder In jobs will be retained and enhanced, ensuring Wedmore and village remains facilities a destination of choice. services, shops, of range excellent The parish. the of members older and affluent will besupported by amodestgrowth innew housing,particularly targeted at the younger, less “Wedmore Parish will retain its strong senseof acommunity inahistoric andrural setting. This VISION 4.2 There were clear themesintheresponses andtheseledusto thefollowing draft Vision how they would like to seethearea evolve over thenext 15 years. community about what they valued aboutlivingintheParish of Wedmore, what they disliked and 4.1 As explained inChapter 3,theQuestionnaire andconsultation events sought views from the VISION FOR WEDMORE This Vision was consulted onat the 14 CHAPTER 4 - VISION FOR WEDMORE 15 CHAPTER 5 - HOUSING design. with theallocation of new housingandtheir of housingsize andtenure. Other policiesdeal the Housing policiesseekto focus ontheissues through aHousing Association). In view of this, cheaper homesto buy or rent (privately or occupied houses with relatively few smaller, is characterised by large, expensive owner demonstrates that, statistically, Wedmore Parish which (Profile) 2 Chapter in data Census the by 5.2 needs. into homes within theParish suitablefor their some older residents would beunableto move people may beforced to live elsewhere and rent. Without more housing of this type, young homes for younger andolder peopleto buy or affordablemore smaller,of lack the referredto and rural environment of theParish, they also tothe community. Whilst residents enjoy thehistoric of concern issue main the as identified on the Neighbourhood Plan housing was by 2032. Through theprocess of consultation to accommodate aminimumof 116new houses the Sedgemoor Local Planasa Tier 2settlement 5.1 character of thesettlement. are appropriate to thescale,design and satisfy other development planpoliciesand Neighbourhood Plan allocations where they boundaries of these Villages andonthe will beencouraged within thesettlement development within theParish. New homes is the next most sustainable location for focussed. Blackford, asa Tier 4settlement, most new homesanddevelopment will be settlement in the Parish and this is where Village isthemostsustainable(Tier 2) Sedgemoor Local Plan(2019), Wedmore “In accordance with Policy T2a of the POLICY WED1 – LOCATION OF HOUSING and housingfor older residents”. to rent housing affordable sale, for properties priority will beto deliver smaller, lessexpensive located sites with arange of housesizes. The allocations andpolicies which deliver well emerging Sedgemoor Local Planthrough “To meet thehousingneedsrequired inthe Objective HOUSING Wedmore Village is identified in Policy S2 of Policy S2 in Wedmoreidentified is Village This community feedback isalsosupported site affordable housing. community supportandtheprovision of 40%on- the local needfor theproposal, demonstrating Plan Policies T2b and T4. This includesjustifying sites, they will have to satisfy thecriteria inLocal settlement boundary andnot at theallocated promoted which are outside the Village Neighbourhood Planarea. Where sites are in themostsustainablelocations within the 5.3 This policy seeks to focus new housing people, young families andolder people.” two andthree bedroom housessuitablefor young given to developments which deliver smaller one, needs assessments, butparticular support will be Assessment (SHMA)or relevant local housing prevailing Sedgemoor Strategic Housing Market regard to the latest housing mix set out in the and tenures within thesite. The mixshouldhave should provide arange of housingsizes, types “Subject to Policy WED3, housingdevelopments POLICY WED2 –HOUSINGMIX wide policiesthat are relevant to theproposal.” section of theLocal Plan,as well asany District satisfy thepoliciesasset outinthe‘Countryside’ will beappropriately controlled and will needto settlement boundaries,proposals for new housing identified the of outside Parish, the in Elsewhere respectively. policies T2b and T4 of the Sedgemoor Local Plan Wedmore andBlackford will needto satisfy housing affordable need or other local infrastructure priorities at local unmet remaining any New housingproposals that come forward to meet particular needfor onebedrented homesandtwo bedshared ownership homes. Needs Assessment Housing 2018 Wedmore The many residents. Wedmore to affordable not are that prices achieve which shows that Wedmore hasanunusually highproportion of large owner occupied homes which people, young families andolder people.Itisalsosupported by evidence from the2011Census provide a range of housing, the particular need in Wedmore is for smaller homes suitable for single SHMA uk/SHMA) andtheresponses2016 Sedgemoor from thecommunity that whilst newthe housingdevelopments should of contents the both reflects policy This 5.4 Council. with a Wedmore connection will besupported. This islikely to beprogressed by Wedmore Parish 5.7 Non LandUse Policy Aspirations 5.6 Any site coming forward under Local PlanPolicy T2b will bethesubjectof a‘local lettings’ policy. demonstrate asuitablesite or project astherecipient of theoff-site contribution. contribution asonly beingapplicableinexceptional cases.Insuchcases,itisfor the Applicant to to benefit provides Policyoff-site no reason, this which an regards For Wedmore WED3 residents. generally supported since the funding can often be diverted to projects elsewhere in Sedgemoor, not is contribution off-site An Trust. Land Community a or RegisteredAssociation) Pro- Housing a a (formerlyvider Council, District bySedgemoor provided be dwellings will houses Affordable of on-site affordable housing affordable on-site of 5.5 This policy supports Policies D6 and T2b of the Sedgemoor Local Plan (2019). The percentage project elsewhere in Wedmore Parish.” circumstances if it can be demonstrated that it will be invested in a specific affordableAn off-site housing contribution for sites of 11 dwellings or more will only be supported in exceptional updated evidence. subsequent or Assessment, Needs Housing 2018 Wedmore the reflect will split tenure The adequately addressed. ensuring theconstraints andplanningconsiderations raised inrelation to available sites are the Wedmore Neighbourhood Plan`s‘Site Assessments’ evidence base(November 2017), Any sites that come forward under Local PlanPolicy T2b shouldhave appropriate regard to “Affordable housing will beprovided inaccordance withthe Local Plan. POLICY WED3 – AFFORDABLE HOUSING. The establishment ofa Wedmoreestablishment The Land CommunityTrust retainaffordable to those for housing (www.wedmore.online) undertaken by Sedgemoor DistrictCouncil shows a 1 will be between 15% and 40% depending on the category of site. 1 See Appendix 1for definition of ‘Affordable Housing’ (www.sedgemoor.gov. 16 CHAPTER 5 - HOUSING 17 CHAPTER 6 - DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT through theBuildingRegulations islimited. require higher energy targets thanset nationally encouraged, althoughthescope for theNP to sources andenergy conservation should be 6.5 Sustainability, the use of renewable energy local architectural characteristics. encouraging theuseof traditional materials and should influence the design of new buildings by also considered that theNeighbourhood Plan character of Wedmore anditssetting. Residents spaces which are particularly important to the already provide protection to thoseopen should be protected. The Local Plan policies village anditshistoric environment that it such animportant green backdrop to the rural landscapeandopenspaces contribute 6.4 and theLevels which are important to itssetting. countryside namely Lascot Hill, the Mendip Hills heritage andthekey viewsof the surrounding they strongly value Wedmore’s architectural public consultation events madeitclear that 6.3 Respondents to theQuestionnaire and settlement’. to be granted thetitleof ‘outstanding heritage make itonly oneof four villages inthedistrict lanes impartareal distinctionto the Village that 6.2 Its fine stone houses, high walls and attractive remainder of theNP area. buildings of interest inBlackford, Theale andthe There are also a range of Listed Buildings and buildings, monuments andheritageassets. settlement boundary andincludes124listed is approximately half of thetotal area of the Batch and West End. The Conservation Area Road extending alongPilcorn Street, Combe Grants Lane,Church Street andGlanville central medieval street pattern of The Borough, Sedgemoor DistrictCouncil in1991includesthe The current conservation area designated by areas to bedesignated intheCounty in1971. conservation first the of one Wedmorewas 6.1 protect its well preserved heritage”. built environments of Wedmore Parish, andto “To maintain the high quality of the natural and Objective DESIGN ANDENVIRONMENT Other comments noted that thesurrounding range of landscapeandhabitats. These include 6.6 The NP area contains adiverse and valued enhancing thebiodiversity of the NP area. the local context. This will assistinretaining and where possible,by new planting appropriate to respect thislandscapecharacter andenhance it, 6.7 - - 3. 2. 1. Development shouldalso Design Statement. the Wedmorerecommendationsof Village be supported where ittakes into account the character of the villages within theParish will and issympathetic to thetraditional built “Development that isof highquality design POLICY WED5 –DESIGN management of water intheSomerset levels.” the in assist to runoff water surface of rate the all new development, where relevant, to control Sustainable Drainage Systems should beusedin their associated trees andhedgerows. and itsrhynes, thenetwork of historic lanesand character andbiodiversity of the levels /moors of thePlanarea. This includesthespecial protect andenhance thenatural environment “Development will besupported where itcan POLICY WED4 –NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Development proposals shouldseekto and copses. its more diverse range of trees, fields,orchards the ‘upland’ areas of theIsle of Wedmore with maintenance buffer adequate adjacent space asanecological and be respected anddevelopment shouldallow The landscapecharacter of therhynes should sensitive to surface water run off volumes. flanked by willow trees, thisarea isparticularly Somerset levels with itsnetwork of rhynes the characteristic flat landscape of the agrarian character of the village.” suburban materials which emulate the the development with natural, non should belocated within thecore of surrounding land,all amenity space Have regard to theopen nature of the significance or setting dominating forms that detract from their character, sight linesand avoiding heritage assets by maintaining spatial inter-relationship with surrounding Respect the visual andphysical and bulk a harmoniousappearance inscale,mass assets sothat new buildingsmaintain architectural integrity of heritage Respect thehistoric value and including distant views of the Mendip Hills. varied roofscape of themostly 18th and early 19thcentury stone buildingscanbeappreciated the wealth of listed buildings along the gently curved Church Street. From this vantage point the highlight of the Village. The openaspect of theelevated churchyard allows full appreciation of 6.15 Church Street andthearea inthe vicinity of St Mary’s Church is,inarchitectural terms, the character andbuildings. article/1253/Conservation-areas-of-Sedgemoor) provides abrief history anddescription of its 6.14 Sedgemoor DistrictCouncil’s Conservation Guide to visit. has protected itshistoric fabric sothat itcontinues to beapopular place to live anddestination 6.13 The designation of aconservation area in1971 andsustainedinvestment by property owners the Conservation Area isoneof theprime concerns of residents. Wedmore are proud of their village, its history andits attractive rural setting. The protection of 6.12 The results of theQuestionnaire (www.wedmore.online) demonstrate that theresidents of detailing.” 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. Area will besupported if : “Development proposals for new buildor alterations to buildingsinthe Wedmore Conservation CONSERVATIONPOLICY– WEDMORE WED6 AREA local vernacular andcanbeintegrated into thetraditional styleof the Village. development buttheplan will support well designedbuildings which are inkeeping with the 6.11 Itisnot therole of theNeighbourhood Planto dictate thearchitectural styleof new used to inform thedesignprocess. are important distinctiveness. Ithelpsdevelopers towhich understandthe views of local residents andshouldbe and materials features in creating architectural asenseof place and which contribute to thecharacter of the key Village anditslocal identifies statement The 6.10 similar. For thisreason, it will alsobeappliedParish wide. in thecontext of just Wedmore Village, thebuiltcharacteristics of therest of theParish are very This remains relevant andshouldcontinue to guideplanningdecisions. Whilst it was prepared . District Council in2013assupplementary planningguidance www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/vds 6.9 In2005the Village produced a‘VillageDesignStatement’ that was adopted by Sedgemoor sympathetic to thetraditional builtcharacter of the Village andthat of theParish. for creative designers. Any new development isexpected to beof thehighestquality and 6.8 The Village hasanabundance of buildingtypesandstylesproviding asource of inspiration relating to thelocal vernacular by useof local traditional materials andarchitectural Where appropriate to thecontext, contemporary designshall beof highquality, residents andthebuiltenvironment The designof private andpublicspace will actively contribute to the well beingof all original buildinginscale,form, colour andmaterials Extensions andalterations to existing buildings will respect thecharacter of the road patterns of Wedmore New buildingsandsite layouts respect thehistorical settlement form andtraditional execution of the works Local traditional materials and architectural detailing isusedinthedesignand (https://www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/ 18 CHAPTER 6 - DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT 19 CHAPTER 6 - DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT Assets andtheNP area asa whole. the aesthetic value of thesetting of theHeritage boundary treatment andlandscapingprotects ensure that thedetailed design of new buildings, strengthening of the wording of Policy WED5 to However, the Assessment suggested of heritageassets islikely to benegligible. that theimpactof development onthesetting assets of thearea. The Assessment concluded heritage the on NP proposed the of effects any of significance the assess to was Assessment www.wedmore.online. The purposeof the from Angel Architecture. This canbeseenat commissionedHeritage Assessmentwas 6.18 To inform thepreparation of theNP a and materials which are commonly used. the architectural detailing of the local vernacular Policy WED5 gives more detailed guidance on 6.17 The Village DesignStatement mentioned in sense of enclosure. stone boundary walls that contribute to the throughout the village for buildingsandhigh character. Wedmore stone was used extensively and architectural stylesto create adistinctive 6.16 Buildings vary intheir height, size, form 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. emissions. This includes: carbon zero targeting efficiency, energy and construction and be optimised for to meet ahighlevel of sustainabledesign aim should developmentnon-residential “The designandstandard of any new EFFICIENT BUILDINGS AND PLACES. WELL-DESIGNEDENERGYOF PROVISION POLICY WED7 –SUSTAINABILITY. reduction inmind.” should bedesigned with energy Alterations to existing buildings historic characteristics appropriate, providing itsafeguards to generate renewable energy where reduce energy demand and / assets isencouraged to The retrofit of heritageproperties appropriatepumps where sources suchassolar panelsor heat energy generation from renewable encouraged to incorporate on-site Any new development to be demonstrated that thisisnot viable standard, unlessitcanbe standard ‘Very Good’ or equivalent Establishment BREEAMbuilding to meet theBuildingsResearch Developments shouldaim insulation anddoubleglazing measures suchasloft and wall Installation of energy efficient efficient building materials The useof highquality, thermally passive solar gain Siting andorientation to optimise 6.22 To gradually shift Wedmore to aposition where itcanbecome azero carboncommunity. Non LandUse Policy Aspirations new housinghave theavailability of charging facilities for thesetypesof vehicle. of electricandother ultra low emission vehicles. Policy WED8 seeksto ensure that residents of 6.21 The Community Questionnaire indicated strong supportfor theencouragement of theuse carbon future. which clearly signpost the aspirations of the Wedmore community to achieve a low energy, low WED7 only appliesto non-residential development. Policy WED7 sets outinaseriesof measures relating to theconstruction, internal layout or performance of new dwellings. Therefore, Policy A Neighbourhood Plancannot refer to any additional local technical standards or requirements through buildingdesign,improved energy conservation andtheuseof renewable energy sources. byemissions allencouragingnew non-residential achievetogreater buildings energy efficiency 6.20 The Neighbourhood Plancanplay itspartinmoving thecommunity towards zero carbon compromising theability of future generations to meet their own needs’. present without the of needs the “meeting as Nations United the by defined ‘Sustainability’was 619 Sustainability isoneof thecore principlesunderpinningnational anddistrictplanningpolicy. plug-in andother ultra low emission vehicles.” “New dwellings shouldbedesigned where practical to incorporate facilities for charging POLICY WED8 –ELECTRIC AND LOW EMISSION VEHICLES 20 CHAPTER 6 - DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENT 21 CHAPTER 7 - TRANSPORT pedestrians andcyclists. of the safety improve and traffic of speed the it canpropose measures which both reduce Wedmore, through passing traffic limit cannot elsewhere. Whilst aNeighbourhood Plan along some key routes and reduced widths This isexacerbated by theabsence of footpaths consultation report onwww.wedmore.online). are major concerns of residents (seeQuestionnaire congestion and traffic of speed the 7.1 restrictions, traffic calming, footpaths and and security.” footpaths calming, additional car parking with improved lighting traffic restrictions, as well asby theappropriate useof speed traffic of through thelocation of future developments impact the control and manage “To Objective TRANSPORT number. location of that measure isshown onthe Wedmore andBlackford Proposals Maps usingthesame are eleven proposals inthestrategy. Each of thesetransport measures isgiven anumber andthe designed to reduce the speed of traffic and improve safety for both pedestrians and cyclists. There 7.3 Justification for the Policy preferred areas for new housingset outinmore detail inChapter 10‘Housing Allocations’. local tripsare either to the Village Centre or theFirstSchool /Recreation Ground, theseare the locations where peoplehave theopportunity to walk or cycle rather thanusethecar. Since most 7.2 The process of consultation showed that tests asset outintheCommunity Infrastructure Levy regulations 2010.” and safety improvements inthe Wedmore Transport Strategy inaccordance with thestatutory “Development proposals will besupported where they provide, or contribute to, theaccessibility POLICY WED9 –TRANSPORT STRATEGY The Wedmore Transport Strategy (WED9)cross refers to apackage of measures set outbelow Additional traffic resulting from new housing can be minimised if the new allocations arein the newallocations if beminimised can newhousing from resulting traffic Additional 3) 2) 1) 7.4 11) 10) 9) 8) 7) Continue to advocate anHGV banin Wedmore Village. pm with parking permitexemptions for residents only. Order to restrict parking in The Borough to three hour periodsbetween 9.00amand5.00 shoppers to parkfor shortperiods,theParish Council will promote a Traffic Regulation businesses. Parking in The Borough isoften monopolisedby shopstaff. Inorder to enable Improved availability of visitor parking will promote access to themany small shopsand Council onthedevelopment of their Passenger Transport Strategy. Support andpromote community transport initiatives and work with Somerset County Non LandUse Policy Aspirations this landcould beusedasanextension to thecar park. If thechildrens play area isnot provided onlandnorthof Worthington Close(WED13(3)), linking CombeBatch Rise with both theLerburne andtheBorough Mall car park. The development of theCross Farm site will deliver afootpath /cycleway through thesite The CombeBatch area of Wedmore currently hasnocontinuous footpath to theBorough. on street Borough would encourage usersof the Village Hall to usethecar parkrather thanparking The creation of anew footpath linkbetween the Worthington Road car arkand The Council andrelevant landowners two schools. This ambition will besecured by private negotiations between theParish to walk or cycle to school,anoff road cycle and footpath route isproposed between the is abusy road which hasnofootpaths andisunlit.Inorder to encourage more children First School andHughSexey’s MiddleSchool inBlackford isalongBlackford Road. This At present, themostdirect route for children wishing to walk or cycle between Wedmore Post Office inChurch Street Parking restriction will besought at pinchpoints andblindcorners suchasoutsidetheOld whole lengthof Pilcorn Street narrowing, where necessary, to create acontinuous footpath alongthenorthernsideof the Levy (CIL) fundingshouldcontribute to additional sectionsof footpath andcarriageway footpaths. Housing Allocations WED15 and WED16 andCommunity Infrastructure School, therecreation ground andthecentre of the village andhasonly intermittent 6) 5) 4) 3) 2) 1) Wedmore Transport Strategy Proposals Pilcorn Street isthemainroute between Wedmore First by realigning thehighway the WED16 site shouldincludeproposals to improve visibility visibility easttowards the village. The development of The junctionof Pilcorn Street with West End has very poor the WED15 site shouldincludeproposals to improve visibility poor visibility easttowards the village. The development of The junctionof Kelsons Lane with Blackford Road has very can alsoimprove thedrop off facilities will beencouraged and new footpaths. Development proposals which provide landandafinancial contribution to thecrossing The development of the WED17 site will beexpected to Hugh Sexey’s MiddleSchool andlimited “drop off” facilities. There isnopedestriancrossing onBlackford Road outside points andtherevised traffic calmingscheme requirement that theseallocations fundboth thenew access creating new accesses onto theBlackford Road, itisa junction. Since allocations WED15 and WED16 will be be extended west of theKelsons Lane/Blackford Road by the Wedmore FirstSchool ispoorly designedandshould The existing traffic calmingschemeonBlackford Road vehicle speedsanddanger to pedestriansandcyclists Map will mitigate community concerns aboutexcessive A 20mphspeedlimitintheareas marked ontheProposals 22 CHAPTER 7 - TRANSPORT 23 CHAPTER 8 - ECONOMY stall holdersfrom outsidethe Village. Borough Mews isarecent innovation, attracting further two vacant units. A monthly market inthe that 49premises were openfor business with a of retail and other service providers revealed for independent retailers. In April 2018asurvey Borough Mews, providing further small units with thedevelopment of theBorough Mall and 8.2 Retail space hasincreased inrecent years accommodation providers. of pubs,cafes, restaurants andarange of area. Visitors are also welcomed by anumber retail outlets attract customers from a wide the last Bank branches. The many fashion support, particularly in view of theclosure of retention initscurrent location has wide public whose Office Post sub the does as community The Pharmacy provides a vital service to the food andhouseholditems, isthelargest shop. The Village Store, which suppliesnewspapers, located around theBorough andChurch Street. range of small,independent retail stores mainly both residents and visitors. Itprovides a diverse the years becoming adestination of choice for 8.1 Wedmore has expanded its economy over Protecting Wedmore’s Retail Heart demonstrated.” resistedover be unless can justification riding retail (A1),andnonretail uses(A2to A5) will be Wedmore District Centre. Changes of use from of boundary defined the within supported be “Retail (A1)andnonretail uses(A2to A5) will LOCALECONOMY THE SUPPORTING – WED10 POLICY as alively retail centre andtourist destination.” “To maintain thepositionof Wedmore village Objective ECONOMY significantly but at 6% is still above the above isstill 6% average for Somerset (see Appendix 2). at but significantly Employment inagriculture hasreduced consolidated into afew muchlarger farms. in recent timesaslandholdings were surrounding area. This role hasdiminished centre for the agricultural community inits 8.5 Wedmore hashistorically served asa - - the following: will besupported where theproposal is flexible terms to support small businesses, B1 employment space, particularly on small scale(lessthan150m2)Class “Development proposals which provide EMPLOYMENT SPACE POLICY WED11 –SMALL SCALE (Appendix 1)contains the‘Use Classes’. on theNP Proposals Map. The ‘Glossary’ Sedgemoor Local Plan(2018)andisshown the by defined is boundaryCentre’ ‘Village its diverse range of independent stores. The character of Wedmore Village Centre and 8.4 This policy seeksto maintain the as set sensitively applied. measures out inChapter 7 will therefore needto be management Traffic and work for current andfuture residents. visit as well asasustainableplace to live that itremains anattractive destination to therefore becarefully considered to ensure 8.3 Changesto the Village centre should parking andservicingfacilities.” provision of adequate access, be supported, subjectto the scale B1classbuildings will also boundary of Wedmore, new small within, or closeto, thesettlement network andparking of thisprovision onthehighway or buildingssubjectto theimpact conversion of anexisting building and farm stays. breakfast accommodation, holiday cottages employment providing both inthe village butalsoinmanagingbedand offer hospitality and and the Village hasdeveloped astrong retail 8.6 The area isnow apopular tourist destination supported. such asameeting room would bestrongly attractive rental terms andbasicfacilities of amodest-sized businesscentre with business seekspace to expand. The creation (under 150m2)ashome-basedandstart-up a needfor more small businesspremises local businesses. The consultation indicates network isrequired to meet theneeds of to compete with on-lineshopping. local shopsandservices which already have and thushelpto maintain the viability of reception may well encourage thistrend Improving broadband andmobilephone age residents work within the Parish. premises. Approximately 25%of working- wider Parish includingsomelight industrial home and converted farm buildings in the increase infull andparttime working from 8.8 8.7 superfast broadband connection.” retail andcommercial premises to enablea should beinstalledinall new residential, cables fibre accepting of capable “Ducting POLICY WED12 –COMMUNICATIONS The consultation process shows an Further work onthe communications 24 CHAPTER 8 - ECONOMY 25 CHAPTER 9 - COMMUNITY AND WELLBEING Dilnot A (2017) ‘The burden of triumph: meeting health and social care needs’. The Lancet. August 2017 References WELLBEING COMMUNITY AND increase inpopulation. and whether thiscancope with theproposed concern aboutthecurrent healthinfrastructure them protected. However, there isalsoa societies andfacilities intheParish and wants community values the wide range of clubs, the how confirmed have Plan Neighbourhood 9.2 The various consultations onthe recreation. includes theaspectsof health,leisure and 9.1 The themeof Community and Wellbeing Introduction community.” to meet theneedsof all sectionsof the community services andfacilities in Wedmore “To maintain and expand therange of Objective of nearby residents; significant adverse impact on the amenity i. supported where:be community facilities andopenspace will replacement, extended and/or improved 2. requirements of Policy WED17. Redmans Hill,Blackford, subject to the of the Axe Valley Veterinary Centre on iii. adjoining area. the natural andbuiltenvironment of the ii. the proposed change;and, facility andaneedisdemonstrated for continued useof theexisting buildingor i. there isnoreasonable prospect of viable supported where: valued community facilities will only be redevelopment or changeof useof locally protected from loss.Proposals for the facilities listed in Appendix 3 will be 1. FACILITIES RECREATIONCOMMUNITY AND Policy WED13 –PLAY, SPORTS, the proposal would not have Development proposals for new, an exception is the redevelopment there isnoadverse impact on community valued “Locally views of thelocal community. aims andobjectives, theneedsof usersandthe that any proposals take into account thisplan’s Council at the earliest opportunity to help ensure to engage with thelocal community andParish 9.4 would provide acommunity use. park (seeparagraph 7.3(11)). As such,theland park could beutilisedasanextension to thecar north andeastof the Worthington Closecar adjacent to Cross Farm. If thisoccurs, theland may result intheplay area beingprovided between thedeveloper andtheParish Council Farm S106agreement. However, negotiations Close. Funding for this forms part of the Cross owned landnorthandeastof Worthington incorporating a play area on Parish Council advanced through theallocation of openspace teenagers. This iscurrently proposed to be highlighted aneedfor more facilities for under Policy WED13. However, theconsultation offacilities which would frombenefit protection protected from loss. Appendix 3contains alist and recreational facilities andtheseneedto be 9.3 park, issupported.” an extension to the Worthington Road car If this play area isconstructed elsewhere, funded by theCross Farm development. to bethelocation of achildrens play area Worthington Closeiscurrently proposed 3. iv. parking, andpollutionlevels); for demand / congestion, volume traffic road network (with regard to additional unacceptable impacts on the local iii. landscape character); onthe regard to biodiversity, wildlife habitat and impacts surrounding local environment (with adverse significant ii. approved Healthcare provider.” supported, should thisbepromoted by an The provision of anew healthcare facility is • • which provide :- “Development proposals will besupported POLICY WED14 –HEALTH AND MEDICAL CARE Wedmore is well endowed with community Proposers of development are encouraged a care home(nursingandpersonal care). their own homesfor aslongpossible older people andthedisabledto remain in specialist andadaptable housing,to enable Land to thenorthandeastof it iseasily accessible to residents. the proposal would not have the proposal would not have 3) 2) suitable site, this would bestrongly supported. However, shouldaproposal bepromoted by anapproved healthcare provider ona not includeapolicy to allocate aspecificsite for anew surgery to bebuiltin Wedmore. 5) 4) 3) 2) 1) control over itsown health and wellbeing following nonlandusepolicy actionsdesigned to allow thecommunity to take more a new purpose builtsurgery intheshortterm, theNeighbourhood Planadvocates the 9.12 9.11 9.10 find outmore aboutlocal plansandpolicies. Somerset Clinical CommissioningGroup (CCG) andfrom theGP partnership were consulted to 9.9 Given thedemographic of residents andfeedback from parishioners,representatives from old age. The provision of acare homein Wedmore could beanasset to thecommunity. 9.8 There will still be a significant number who will require considerable and sustained support in high standard. homes which are of asuitablesize anddesignto enablethiscare to bedelivered safely andto a their own homes, including people with significant health and social care needs. This will require 9.7 sheltered housing,retirement housing(both low cost rented andprivate) andacare home. Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire, about 25% of people thought that Wedmore needed more over 65 years old, when compared with neighbouringCheddar andSomerset asa whole. Inthe 9.6 Demographic evidence shows that Wedmore hasahigher thanaverage number of people has alsobeenrecruited to theteam. practice website working have beenintroduced, includingonlineconsultations. Details canbefound onthe There hasbeenanincrease insalariedGPs who have joinedthethree partners.New ways of have beenmadeto theaccess andservice at the Axbridge and Wedmore medical practice. new purpose-builtsurgery inthe Village. However, since thestartof theNP process improvements online) andfrom consultation events inthecommunity indicates that there isastrong desire for a new housing is built. Feedback from the Neighbourhood Plan Questionnaire (www.wedmore. per week) have ledmany residents to express concern that services will beoversubscribed when nationwide and a reduction in the number of appointments offered in Wedmore (down to 3.5 days Practice and most residents of Wedmore are registered with this practice. Recruitment difficulties 9.5 Wedmore hasaGP surgery inthe village, aspartof the Axbridge and Wedmore Medical https://tinyurl.com/y8cloju5 Last accessed 13 September 2018 NHS Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group Strategy (2014)‘Clinical Leadership to Improve Health 2014– 2019’. http://www.somerset.gov.uk/stp/ Last accessed13September 2018 Somerset Sustainability and Transformation Group (2016)‘Somerset Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP) 2016-2020/21’. 1) Both local andnational policiesadvocate that more peopleare cared for andsupported in In view of thesefindingsithasbeen concluded that this Neighbourhood Plan will Non LandUse Policy Aspirations :Since itisunlikely that Wedmore will achieve control of their own Health and Wellbeing’ (CCG 2014-2019). the CCG’s guidance :-‘Encourage communities andindividuals to take more One significant local andnational policy issummedupinthistheme,taken from feasible inthefuture surgery or buildanew practice would besupported, shouldthisbecome a major concern for Wedmore residents, any plansto enhance thecurrent GP financial supportisnot available locally or nationally. However, asthis was At thepresent timethere isnoprospect of anew surgery in Wedmore, as appropriately conducted by apersonother thanaGP Axbridge and Wedmore Practice estimate that 30%of all consultations canbe Encourage theavailability of anNHSdentist inthe village. NP area Enable access for all to therange of community andrecreational facilities inthe Support healthy lifestyles andtheprovision of facilities to achieve this implement themselves To work closely with theGP practice to identify actions thecommunity can Encourage regular healthchecksandimmunisation In summary the outcomes from thisconsultation are asfollows:- www.axbridgewedmoremedicalpractice.nhs.uk. A Primary Care Paramedic 26 CHAPTER 9 - COMMUNITY AND WELLBEING 27 CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS permission butare yet to bebuilt. The positionasat October 2018andasfollows. for at least116homessince somehave already beenbuiltbetween 2011and2018others have Wedmore Village between 2011and2032. This doesnot meanthat theplanhasto allocate land 10.2 of their destinations rather thanusethecar. facilities. As such, new homesinthe Village gives peopletheopportunity to walk andcycle to more whole Parish because the Village (a‘Tier 2settlement’) isthefocus for shops,services, jobsand be builtin Wedmore Village between 2011and2032. The focus isonthe Village rather thanthe 10.1 HOUSING ALLOCATIONS Total Allocations Planning Built Required HOUSING NUMBERS Permission 2011 35 but - not 2018 13 started 68 Policy S2of theSedgemoor Local Plan(2019)sets aminimumnumber of homes which should The Neighbourhood Planneedsto demonstrate how at least116new homes will bebuiltin 116 as mostof theobvious candidates have already beendeveloped. to 2032.However, itisexpected that theannual number of windfall housecompletions will reduce, come forward within the Village settlement boundary duringtheremainder of theLocal Planperiod 10.7 This total islikely to represent anunder estimate since further ‘windfall’ sites will continue to In addition,Policy WED17 allocates 12homesat thesite of Axe Valley Vets inBlackford. This will bemadeupasfollows : 10.6 Itisproposed to marginally exceed theminimumof 116dwellings in Wedmore Village by 2032. of 116dwellings. BlackfordLocala is ‘Tier4’Plan notcountdo settlement, homes towards these figureminimum the the allocation of the Axe Valley Veterinary Surgery site inBlackford for 12homes(WED17). Since 10.5 Inadditionto thetwo sites at Wedmore Village, theNovember 2017 consultation alsoproposed able to complete 127homesby 2032. This ismodestly inexcess of the116minimum. Together with post 2011 completions and unbuilt permissions,thismeansthat the Village should be (Policy WED15) andonlandeastof theFirstSchool (Policy WED16). These will deliver 46homes. 10.4 Two sites are proposed to beallocated for housinginthe Village onlandat Westholme Farm minimum of 35homesto beallocated in Wedmore Village. homes completed since 2011,thetotal of completions andcommitments risesto 81. This leaves a are two unimplemented planningpermission within the Village. When theseare addedto the to thoseover 55.Inadditionto the66dwellings arisingfrom thesetwo large developments, there 2018, 11 homes were granted permission at Holdenhurst. The occupancy of these will berestricted was granted outline planning permission for 55 homes in 2015 and is under construction. In August Lane) and barn conversions, the notable exceptions are Cross Farm and Holdenhurst. Cross Farm 10.3 Whilst mostpermissions since 2011have beenindividual plots, small groups (suchasinQuab Unbuilt Built WED16 planning WED15 Westholme2011 REFERENCE SITE permissions 68 - Farm homes 18 13 homes Total for Wedmore Village (2011-32) East of Wedmore FirstSchool SITE 11 homes

127 homes 35 homes 28 CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS 29 CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS 10.9 improvements will besought from thedevelopment of WED14. policies seekto improve thepedestrianandcycle route alongPilcorn Street. Contributions to these The site is within walking andcycling distance of the Village Centre, andother Neighbourhood Plan to itsproximity to the Wedmore FirstSchool andtherange of facilities at theRecreation Ground. 10.8 HOUSING ALLOCATIONS reduction inthenumber of dwellings. through thecareful designof thelayout, thechoice of materials and landscapingas well asa the Conservation Area. However, theHeritage Assessment concluded that thiscould bemitigated environment.historic and latterthe Buildings Listed adjacent relatedThis effectconcern on the to j) management i) h) g) f) e) d) c) housing b) a) development shouldcomply with thefollowing principles “Land at Westholme Farm isallocated for approximately 11-16homes. The POLICY WED15WESTHOLME FARM Land at Westholme Farm scored well intheSite Assessment (seewww.wedmore.online) due

This site scored less well in terms of access to publictransport anditspotential impact on the development shouldcreate ahighquality built frontage onto Blackford Road.”. the provision of aSuDSmeasures along with amechanismto ensure their longterm the provision of ahighstandard of on-site andonplot landscaping the western partof thesite will beretained asanopenspace creation of afootpath alongthenorthernsideof Pilcorn Street pedestrian /cycle crossing facilities to Wedmore FirstSchool andcontribute to the of anew traffic calmingschemeonBlackford Road/Pilcorn Street and provide safe the development, along with site WED16, will fundthedesignandimplementation access for vehicles will betaken from asinglepoint of access onto Blackford Road and WED6) Conservation(PoliciesArea WED5 Buildings andto preserving andenhancingthecharacter andappearance of the the layout anddesign will pay special regard to thesetting of adjoiningListed and lessexpensive homesto rent or buy the development shall provide amix of housing,but with anemphasisonsmaller the designof theaffordable housingshall beindistinguishablefrom themarket 30% on-site affordable housing,distributed across thesite © Crown copyright anddatabase rights 2016OS100058050 WESTHOLME FARM 30 CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS POLICY WED16 EAST OF WEDMORE FIRST SCHOOL EAST OF WEDMORE FIRST SCHOOL “Land to the east of Wedmore First School is allocated for approximately 35 homes. The development should comply with the following principles

a) 30% on-site affordable housing, distributed across the site

b) the design of the affordable housing shall be indistinguishable from the market housing

c) the development shall provide a mix of housing, but with an emphasis on smaller and less expensive homes to rent or buy

d) access for vehicles shall be taken from a single point of access on to Blackford Road

e) e) the development, along with site WED15, will fund the design and implementation of a new traffic calming scheme on Blackford Road / Pilcorn Street, provide safe pedestrian / cycle crossing facilities to Wedmore First School and contribute to the creation of a footpath along the northern side of Pilcorn Street

f) the provision of a childrens play area

g) the provision of a high standard of on-site and on plot landscaping

h) the layout will give particular regard to respecting neighbouring buildings in mass, scale and the use of locally distinctive materials as well as the orientation of plots to create an active building frontage to Pilcorn Street

i) the provision of SuDS features along with a mechanism to ensure their long term © Crown copyright and database rights 2016 OS 100058050 management.”.

10.11 Whilst not physically adjoining any Listed 10.12 The land to the East of Wedmore First Buildings or the Conservation Area, the site School scored well in the Site Assessment (see should be considered in a comprehensive www.wedmore.online) due to its proximity to manner along with the Westholme Farm site in the Wedmore First School and the range of terms of plot orientation, layout and the use of facilities at the Recreation Ground. The site locally distinctive materials. is within cycling and walking distance of the Village Centre, other Neighbourhood Plan policies seek to improve the pedestrian and cycle route along Pilcorn Street. Contributions to these improvements will be required from the development of WED15. CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING

31 32 33 CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS with thenew Sedgemoor Local Plan. acceptable inprinciple. This isinaccordance that itsredevelopment for housingislikely to be within thesettlement limitsof Blackford means (occupied by the Vets practice) and its location However, thisisapreviously developed site homes to bebuiltin Wedmore by 2032. will not count towards theminimumof 116 in theSedgemoor Local Plan,itsdevelopment Since Blackford is classified as a Tier 4 settlement 10.13 The Axe Valley Vets site isinBlackford. h) management g) Lane f) e) d) c) housing b) a) development shouldcomply with thefollowing principles “The Axe Valley Vets site inBlackford isallocated for approximately 12homes. The POLICY WED17

site for housing.”. the new Veterinary Surgery will beavailable for useprior to thedevelopment of the the provision of SuDSfeatures along with amechanismto ensure their longterm footpaths onthesouthernsideof Blackford Road andthe western sideof Redmans crossing of Blackford Road opposite HughSexey’s MiddleSchool,along with the development will provide landandacontribution towards anew pedestrian access for vehicles will befrom asinglepoint of access onto Redmans Hill the provision of ahighstandard of on-site andonplot landscaping less expensive homesto rent or buy the development shall provide amixof housing,but with anemphasisonsmaller and the designof theaffordable housing will beindistinguishablefrom themarket the provision of 30%on-site affordable housing,distributed across thesite AXE VALLEY VETS of thehousingdevelopment. elsewhere in Wedmore Parish prior to the start Practice identifying and constructing a new site development isdependent onthe Veterinary of approximately 12homes.However, 10.14 The site isproposed for adevelopment organisation that provided you with the data. You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute or sell any of this data to third partiesinany form. © Crown copyright anddatabase rights 2016OS100058050. You are permitted to use thisdata solely to enable you to respond to, or interact with, the and WED16 ForMaps WED14,WED15 © Crown copyright anddatabase rights 2016OS100058050 AXE VALLEYBLACKFORD VETS, 34 CHAPTER 10 - HOUSING ALLOCATIONS APPENDIX 1 GLOSSARY GLOSSARY OF PLANNING TERMS

TERM DEFINITION TERM DEFINITION

Affordable Housing Affordable housing: housing for sale or rent, for those Affordable Housing c) Discounted market sales housing: is that sold at whose needs are not met by the market (including housing a discount of at least 20% below local market value. that provides a subsidised route to home ownership and/ Eligibility is determined with regard to local incomes or is for essential local workers); and which complies with and local house prices. Provisions should be in place to one or more of the following definitions: ensure housing remains at a discount for future eligible households. a) Affordable housing for rent: meets all of the following conditions: (a) the rent is set in accordance with the d) Other affordable routes to home ownership: is housing Government’s rent policy for Social Rent or Affordable provided for sale that provides a route to ownership for Rent, or is at least 20% below local market rents (including those who could not achieve home ownership through service charges where applicable); (b) the landlord is a the market. It includes shared ownership, relevant equity registered provider, except where it is included as part loans, other low cost homes for sale (at a price equivalent of a Build to Rent scheme (in which case the landlord to at least 20% below local market value) and rent to buy need not be a registered provider); and (c) it includes (which includes a period of intermediate rent). Where provisions to remain at an affordable price for future public grant funding is provided, there should be provisions eligible households, or for the subsidy to be recycled for for the homes to remain at an affordable price for future alternative affordable housing provision. For Build to Rent eligible households, or for any receipts to be recycled schemes affordable housing for rent is expected to be the for alternative affordable housing provision, or refunded normal form of affordable housing provision (and, in this to Government or the relevant authority specified in the context, is known as Affordable Private Rent). funding agreement.

b) Starter homes: is as specified in Sections 2 and 3 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and any secondary legislation made under these sections. The definition of a starter home should reflect the meaning set out in statute and any such secondary legislation at the time of plan-preparation or decision-making. Where secondary legislation has the effect of limiting a household’s eligibility to purchase a starter home to those with a particular maximum level of household income, those restrictions should be used.

35 36 TERM DEFINITION TERM DEFINITION

Allocation site A piece of land that has had a particular use Floodplain A floodplain is the area that would naturally be earmarked to it via the Neighbourhood Plan or affected by flooding if a river rises above its bank, or Local plan. This might be for housing employment high tides and stormy seas cause flooding in coastal or another purpose such as amenity use. areas

Basic conditions Criteria that a Neighbourhood Plan must meet Flood Zone An area identified by the Environment Agency as before it can come into force. These are: being at risk of flooding. The Flood Zone refers to • They must be appropriate having regard to the probability of river and sea flooding, ignoring the national policy, presence of defences. • They must contribute to the achievement of sustainable development, Greenfield Site Land where there has been no previous • They must be in general conformity with the development. strategic policies in the development plan for the local area, Lifetime Homes Ordinary homes carefully designed to incorporate • They must be compatible with human rights 16 Design Criteria that can be universally applied to requirements, new homes at minimal cost. Each criterion adds to comfort and convenience and supports changing Brownfield site • They must be compatible with EU obligations. needs of individuals and families at different stages Land that has been previously developed of life, from raising children through to coping with on (excluding agricultural or forestry reduced mobility or illness in later life. buildings and residential gardens). Local Plan The name for a document (or collection of Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Allows local authorities to raise funds from documents) prepared by your local planning developers undertaking new building projects in authority for the use and development of land and their areas. Money can be used to fund a wide range for changes to the transport system. The adopted of infrastructure such as transport schemes, schools Local Plan forms part of the Statutory Development and leisure centres. Plans for the area.

Conservation Area An area designated under Section 69 of the Town and National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) Sets out national planning policy and how these Country Planning (Listed Building and Conservation are expected to be applied. Provides a planning Areas) Act 1990 as being of ‘special architectural or policy National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) historical interest’ the character and appearance of framework for Local Plans and Neighbourhood which it is desirable to preserve and enhance Development Plans.

Consultation Statement A document which needs to be submitted to Neighbourhood (Development) Plan A planning document created by a parish or town Sedgemoor District Council detailing the people and council or a neighbourhood forum, which sets out organisations consulted with about the proposed a vision for the neighbourhood area, and contains Neighbourhood Plan and how this was undertaken. policies for the development and use of land in the It also includes a summary of the main issues and area. Neighbourhood plans must be subjected to an concerns raised throughout the consultation process independent examination to confirm that they meet and how these were considered and addressed in legal requirements, and then to a local referendum. If the proposed Neighbourhood Plan. approved by a majority vote of the local community, the neighbourhood plan will then form part of the Designated Neighbourhood (Plan) Area This is the area that the plan will focus on. For town statutory development plan or parish councils, the designated area is usually the administration boundary. Policy A concise statement of the principles that a particular kind of development proposal should satisfy in order Examination Sedgemoor District Council will send the completed to obtain planning permission. Neighbourhood Plan to an independent examiner who will check whether the proposed plan meets Referendum A vote in which the people in a defined area are asked the basic conditions and other requirements set out to give their opinion about or decide and important by law. The examiner will then send a report back to political or social question. Neighbourhood Plans Sedgemoor District Council to publish and Neighbourhood Development Orders are made by a referendum of the eligible voters within a neighbourhood area.

37 38 TERM DEFINITION APPENDIX 2 Section 106 Planning obligation under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, secured by a local STATISTICAL PROFILE planning authority through negotiations with a developer to mitigate the impacts of permitting a development proposal. They cover things like highway improvements or open space provision. The Parish in numbers2

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) This organisation has overall responsibility for 1 This Appendix outlines characteristics of the population, housing and economic activity based on commissioning of primary (eg GP services), the 2011 census with comparisons with the 1991 and 2001 censuses where possible. Comparisons secondary (eg hospital services) and community (eg are also made with neighbouring areas, Somerset county and England and Wales3. district nursing) services for residents of Somerset. The CCG also works very closely with the local 2 Population size and gender : The Parish of Wedmore comprises 4,165 hectares of land with a authority to deliver social care, eg care in the home population density of 0.8 persons per hectare (Somerset average 1.5, England & Wales average 3.7). and in care homes. 3 The 2011 census recorded 3,318 people living in the Parish. As per the national average, there Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) A way of ensuring the environmental implications are slightly more females than males. The total population has grown steadily and significantly of decisions are taken into account before the since the 2,784 recorded in the 1991 census, a 19 percent increase over the twenty-year period. decisions are made. The need for environmental Noticeably, the rate of increase was considerably higher between 1991 and 2001 than between assessment of plans and programmes is set out in 2001 and 2011. the EU Directive 2001/42/EC – known as the SEA Directive. Table 1. Population change 1991-2011

Sustainable Development Resolution 24/187 of the United Nations General Number % increase from Assembly defined sustainable development previous census as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 1991 2,784 -

Town and Country Planning Act 1990 Currently the main planning legislation for England and Wales is consolidated in the Town and Country 2001 3,145 13% Planning Act 1990: this is regarded as the ‘principal act.’

Use Classes The Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 2011 3,318 6% 1987 puts uses of land and buildings into various categories known as ‘Use Classes’. It is generally 4 Age Distribution : Those aged 65+ comprise 22 percent of Wedmore’s population. In the 1991 the case that you will need planning permission census, this figure was slightly lower at 19 percent. 22 percent are under 18, unchanged since 1991. to change from one use class to another, although there are exceptions where the legislation does 5 While the proportion of retired (65+) has increased, the proportion of younger people (18-44) has allow some changes between uses. declined considerably from 31 percent of the population in 1991 down to the current 20 percent.

A1 to A5 Use Classes Refers to retail, food and drink and professional Table 2. Age distribution change 1991-2011 services premises Under 18 % Over 65 % B1, B2, and B8 Use Classes Refers to business use (offices, industrial and warehousing) 1991 22.0 19.1% C1 to C3 Use Classes Refers to hotels and residential use including institutional

D1 and D2 Use Classes Refers to non-residential institutions, assembly and 2001 22.7 19.2% leisure 2011 22.4 22.1%

2. All percentages in the text have been rounded to the nearest whole number and so may differ from those shown in the charts and 39 tables. Where the text refers to the national average, this is in reference to England and Wales only. 40 3. Referred to as ‘national’ in the text as figures for the whole of the UK are not available. 6. Mean and median age : Wedmore has a slightly higher than average (mean) age compared with Table 5. House price comparison February 2018 Somerset and England and Wales overall, with a mean age of 44.1. Both mean and median age have risen since 2001; mean age has risen from 42.6 to the current 44.1, the median age from 45 to the current 48. Comparable values Average property value

Table 3. Age comparison 2011 Wedmore £568,000 Mean age Median age Cheddar £346,000 Wedmore 44.1 48 Wells £328,000 Cheddar 44.0 46 Mark £400,000 Somerset 42.7 44

Somerset £274,000 England and Wales 39.3 39

England £330,000 7. Ethnicity : Wedmore residents almost entirely self-identify as white (98 percent) although there is a small but broad mix of non-white residents including those of Asian, African-Caribbean, Arab or mixed heritage. Wedmore’s ethnic profile is similar to that of Somerset as a whole but significantly less diverse 10. Prices have steadily increased over the past 10 years, and are now around 30 percent higher than England and Wales overall. than values recorded in 2001. Prices have increased by an average of 5 percent over the past 12 months (February 2017- February 2018). 8. Health : Wedmore residents under retirement age (65) are more likely than those in Cheddar, Somerset and England and Wales overall to self-identify as being in good or very good health, with 86 percent 11. The value increase in the … stating this as their health status. - Past 12 months : 5% - Past 5 years : 40% Table 4. Perceived health comparison 2011 - Past 10 years : 31%

12. Dwelling type : There are 1,387 dwellings in the Parish of Wedmore, 58 of which were unoccupied Good or very good health % of adults 18-65 at the time of the 2011 census. Almost all dwellings are unshared and are predominantly houses or bungalows (91 percent) rather than flats, maisonettes or other dwelling types (e.g. bedsits). Wedmore 85.6 13. There was a 19 percent increase in the number of dwellings between 1991 and 2011, the same level of growth as the population during the same period. However as with the population growth, the increase in number of dwellings slowed after 2001. Cheddar 82.3 Table 6. Number of dwellings change 1991-2011 Somerset 80.9 Number % increase from previous census England and Wales 81.2 1991 1,160 - 9. Housing : Housing costs in Wedmore are considerably higher than the Somerset average and the national average in general. Prices are also higher than the adjoining neighbourhoods of Cheddar, Mark and Wells.4 The average property value is currently (Feb 2018) estimated to be £568,000. 2001 1,288 11% (see Table over page)

2011 1,387 8%

41 4. Source: Zoopla 42 14. Tenure : 85 percent of households are owner occupied with just 8 percent rented from a social or local Chart 1. Household composition comparison 2011 authority housing provider. This is comparable with 2001 when 86 percent of homes were owned. The proportion of owner occupied housing is significantly higher than neighbouring Cheddar (77 percent) and above both the Somerset and national averages. 30.1% Dependent 15. Occupancy : Wedmore has a high number of rooms per household (7.3) again, above neighbouring, children county and national averages. The average household size in Wedmore is 2.5. 29.2% 28.8% At least 1 Table 7. Occupancy comparison 2011 person 65+ 27.9% Average number of rooms per Household

Wedmore 7.3 26.3% 26.3%

Cheddar 6.1

Somerset 5.8

England and Wales 5.4 Wedmore Cheddar Somerset

16. Vehicles : Vehicle ownership per household is high with only 6 percent of homes not having access to a car or van (it was 8 percent in 2001). 63 percent of households have two vehicles or more. 18. Employment and economic activity : Wedmore has a high proportion of economically active adults in work and unemployment is low at 1.8 percent. Those Table 8. Vehicle ownership comparison 2011 identified as employees (63 percent) is almost unchanged since 2001 when it was recorded at 62 percent. However, the proportion of self-employed has increased; from 17 percent in 2001 to current 21 percent in 2011. At least 1 vehicle % per HH

Wedmore 93.9 Chart 2. Employment and economic activity comparison 2011

Cheddar 86.9 53% Employed 52.9%

42.3% Somerset 84.1 Self-employed Retired England and Wales N/A 20.9% Unemployed 20.6%

Compared with neighbouring Cheddar and Somerset generally, Wedmore 17. Household composition : 17.4% has a higher proportion of households with occupants 65 or over (29 percent). It also has a higher 17% proportion of households with dependent children (30 percent). (see Chart over page)

13% 12.3%

3% 1.8% 2.4%

Wedmore Cheddar Somerset 43 44 19. Method of travel to work : Of those employed 63 percent drive to work, but with just over a quarter (26 percent) saying they work mainly from home. This is a noticeable increase on the 20 percent recorded in APPENDIX 3 2001 and 15 percent in 1991. PLAY, SPORTS, RECREATION AND 20. Qualifications : Wedmore residents are well qualified with 41 percent registering qualifications COMMUNITY FACILITIES at Level 4 or above (the highest category in the census). This is considerably higher than the Somerset average of 26 percent or the national average of 27 percent.

Chart 3. Education comparison 2011 The facilities protected under Policy WED13 are :

• The Recreation Ground Complex in Blackford Road including • Tennis Club 40.5% • Bowls Club • Childrens Play Area 30.3% 27% • The Village Hall in The Borough • The Masonic Hall in Church Street 25.6% • Theale Village Hall in Wells Road • The George Inn, Church Street • The Swan, The Borough • The New Inn, Combe Batch • The Panborough Inn, Wells Road • The Sexey’s Arms, Blackford Road • The Trotter, Clewer • Somermead Scout / Guide Hut off Combe Batch Wedmore Cheddar Somerset England & • St Mary’s Church on Church Street Wales • The Methodist Church on Sand Road 21. Occupation by industry : Wedmore is a rural area and while only 6 percent of those economically active work in agriculture, this is significantly higher than the Somerset average of 3 percent and • Theale Church on Wells Road neighbouring parish Cheddar (2 percent). The national average is less than 1 percent. However, the most • Blackford Church (Blackford Road) commonly cited occupational categories are wholesale and retail trades, professional, scientific and technical activities, education and human health and social work activities, all with significantly higher • Theale Play Area (Theale) numbers than those working in agriculture. • Blackford Play Area (Blackford) • Wedmore Surgery in St Medard Way • Wedmore Dental Practice in The Borough • Axe Valley Veterinary Centre on Redmans Hill • Bagley Baptist Church, Cold Nose Lane, Bagley

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