Sustainability Appraisal

To ensure that the policies and proposals set out in the Neighbourhood Plan contribute to sustainable development, it has been tested to see how well it performs against economic, social, and environmental objectives.

In order to assess the sustainability impacts of different plan and policy options, an appraisal framework (known as a Scoping Report) was prepared, with input from statutory consultees. This has helped in developing the Plan’s vision and objectives, the overall planning strategy, and individual policies that work towards achieving sustainable development, offering economic, social, and environmental benefits. At each stage in the Neighbourhood Plan preparation, an assessment has been undertaken and recommendations made as to how the sustainability of the Plan might be improved.

The Sustainability Appraisal Report presents the appraisal of this Neighbourhood Plan and demonstrates how the Policies of the Neighbourhood Plan meet the sustainability objectives of Shepton Mallet. The majority of the policies proposed in the Neighbourhood Plan have a positive impact on Shepton Mallet’s environmental, social, and economic wellbeing. Taken as a whole, the policies of the Plan have no net negative impact, and therefore no additional mitigation is required. The overall effect of the implementation of the Plan will contribute to the objectives of sustainable development in Shepton Mallet.