Introduction
Midsomer Norton is a Medieval market town which later became an important coal mining settlement during the 18-19th centuries following the discovery of coal at Welton. The railway arrived in the 1870s, providing further impetus for development investment, supported by coal mining employment at Norton Hill Colliery.
The historic core of Midsomer Norton covers the southern and eastern side of the settlement, along the B3355 and incorporating the area of Welton. Formalised expansion during the 1920’s along North Road included development at Clevedon Road, Burlington Road and opposite the recreational ground at Elm View (which took the form of small terraces set back) as well as the area parallel to North Road. Westfield, located to the south of the Somerset & Dorset Railway, expanded during the late 19th and 20th centuries, with development focussed close to Norton Hill Colliery in an area characterised by short row terraces. Development continued at pace across the area through the post-war period.
The Conservation Area in Midsomer Norton is focused on the valley of the River Somer. The small settlement of Welton, located to the north-east of Midsomer Norton, forms part of the Conservation Area and can be characterised as being primarily an 18th century coal mining community. Listed buildings are principally focused within Midsomer Norton.
The town is well served by Midsomer Norton High Street which is being improved by the regeneration programme, with ongoing masterplanning work. The town includes leisure facilities at Dragonfly leisure and the new town park. The town has two secondary schools and five primary schools. The Somer Valley Links Enterprise Zone sits to the north west of the town. It will be accessible by public transport links and new cycle infrastructure from the town centre.
The town is served by the bus route which connects Midsomer Norton with Bristol, Bath and Wells. But some areas of the town can be seen as less well connected including Welton and Radstock Road. The town is connected to the active travel route which connects Midsomer Norton to Radstock and the Colliers Way.
- There is a strong network of public rights of way and connections to the cycle path. Local residents would like to see access to the countryside improved.
- Public transport has been reduced in the Somer Valley with some areas having very limited access to bus services.
- The town is surrounded by green hillsides, a number of which are designated as Site of Nature Conservation Importance which are integral to its landscape character.
- The town’s mining heritage has strongly influenced its landscape character.
- Provide homes to meet the needs of the local area, including provision of homes that are affordable. New development should work with the Midsomer Norton Town Centre Plan (Masterplan and Regeneration Action Plan) and help to increase footfall to the town centre.
- New development should complement relevant elements of the Somer Valley Rediscovered Project to provide greater opportunities for people to engage with and enable nature recovery.
- New development should enable a greater choice of transport via sustainable and active travel (walking, cycling, wheeling and public transport). New development can link into the existing public transport network allowing for buses to become more viable.
- Ensure built and natural environments promote health and wellbeing for all.