LANDOWNERS and developers in Somerset are soon to be asked to put forward property that could be used to provide new homes or employment developments, it is understood.

Somerset Council will soon be opening a ‘Call for Sites’ – the first stage in the preparation of a new Local Plan, which will ultimately set policies to guide new development across the county, as well as allocating specific sites for development, it is believed.

A Call for Sites is an invitation for landowners and developers to come forward with ‘available’ plots that would be suitable for development, either for housing, for employment use, or a mix.

Any sites put forward will be assessed by the council and could be selected for allocation in the emerging Local Plan.

The Call for Sites is set to open in late December or early January, it is understood.

A spokesperson for property agent Greenslade Taylor Hunt (GTH), which gives advice to landowners considering putting land forward, said: “To clarify, only sites submitted during the Call for Sites process may be considered for allocation.

“Developers and landowners are therefore advised to ensure that relevant sites are submitted for consideration.”

The firm said anyone who wants to find out more about whether a site is suitable for consideration for the plan can get in touch with the GTH Planning team on 01823 334466, or by emailing landplanning.taunton@gth.net.