Shepton Mallet residents are being given the chance to shape the town's future as the long-awaited Neighbourhood Plan heads to a public referendum on Thursday 17 July.

The vote, which takes place alongside local elections, will decide whether the community-written plan becomes a legally binding part of the area's development framework—giving residents a direct say over future planning decisions, housing developments, green spaces and town centre regeneration.

The Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Plan has been more than a decade in the making. It's been through multiple public consultations, a full external examination, and includes policies covering everything from ecology and parking to health services and new homes.

"This is a crucial moment," said Cllr Matt Harrison, spokesperson for the Neighbourhood Plan team. "Everything in this plan really matters to our town. After over a decade of consultation and revision, residents now have the final say in whether it goes ahead. If you support it, you must vote for it. If not, this is your chance to reject it—but your vote is crucial either way."

So what's actually in the plan?

Housing growth with community control

The plan allocates land for up to 1,029 new homes by 2034. Instead of letting developers build wherever they choose, it identifies specific sites with clear infrastructure requirements and rules around access and layout.

One key proposal is a new housing site for up to 150 homes west of Cannard's Grave Road, with carefully planned access routes to avoid congestion through narrow residential streets like Compton Road and Middleton Lane.

A new community hub

Policy 2a outlines plans for a new community building on the Cannard's Grave Road site. The space will offer meeting rooms, health and social services, and be joined by a play park, allotments, and garden space—designed to support intergenerational wellbeing and bring the community together.

Green spaces and ecology protected

The plan formally protects 14 Local Green Spaces, including Collett Park, Kilver Court Gardens, The Meadows Path and estate greens within Tadley Acres and Ridgeway. These areas will be shielded from development and preserved for public use and wildlife.

Wildlife corridors across the town will also be safeguarded under Policy 14, ensuring that Shepton's natural environment is protected for future generations.

Smarter transport and parking policies

Policy 7 tackles parking head-on. It reduces developers' ability to count garages as full parking spaces (now counted as half) and requires one visitor space per two homes. New housing must also include walking and cycling routes, and developer cash will be used to improve public transport.

Town centre regeneration and heritage protection

Policies 6, 10 and 11 demand that new buildings respect Shepton's historic character and contribute to a more vibrant town centre. Developments must actively support economic regeneration — not just add more homes.

Health, wellbeing and infrastructure

With GP access and local services already under pressure, Policies 15 and 16 require developers to ensure health and community infrastructure grows alongside new housing. This includes parking, social care access, and local support networks.

The full plan, policy maps and background reports can be viewed at www.smnplan.org.uk.

Residents can vote in person on 17 July at the usual polling stations used for the Town Council Elections. A simple majority is needed for the plan to be adopted.