Galion (the developers) have issued a new application 23/01649/FUL. This is NOT an appeal for the original application set up in 2020 ref 20/03277/FUL.

Please note the 140+ comments and objections from the 2020 application will not be carried forward. If you made a comment or objection to the original application online, you will have to go onto the Somerset website and repeat or update your earlier entry using application ref 23/01649/FUL. The deadline for this recent application has now been extended for comments up to and including the 28th August. Alternatively, you can write direct to Somerset Council.

To get to the main Somerset Planning webpage and enter the search for application 23/01649/FUL go to:

https://publicaccess.southsomerset.gov.uk/online-applications/

If unsure, please call, visit or email a Horton councillor or get in touch via our clerk on hortonparishclerk@gmail.com or phone as shown in this website.

Volunteer to be an Independent Visitor or Advocate for children in Somerset.

These are fascinating and inspiring opportunities, which can bring real benefits to vulnerable children and young people. (Travel and reasonable expenses are reimbursed.)

You can help children and young people understand their rights and ensure that their views, wishes and feelings are heard.

What is an Independent Visitor?

Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person who is in the care of the Local Authority. By law all local authorities have to provide an Independent Visitor service.

In Somerset our intention is to encourage the relationship between the Independent Visitor and young person to continue beyond care. This way the care leavers continue to benefit from support, while making the transition to young adulthood. Independent Visitors are highly valued by the young people as they may be the only person involved in their lives who is not paid to be there.

What is an Advocate?

An Advocate is an independent person who can offer one-to-one support to children and young people to have their voice heard when meetings are taking place concerning their wellbeing. It’s the role of the Advocate to speak up for the young person, make them aware of their rights, listen to them and represent their views, wishes and feelings. Why not join our bank of advocates? You chose when you’re available.

Your volunteering can be arranged to suit your availability. Your life experience will be highly valued and you will be trained and supported in developing key skills.

Please contact us and we will arrange a short visit or call to explain more and discuss your options.

For more information, visit our website at www.route1advocacy.co.uk

Route1businesssupportadmin@somerset.gov.uk

01749 822801

There are children in your community who urgently need local foster homes, to allow them to continue attending their current school or college, and maintain stability in their lives. Anyone over the age of 21 can be a foster carer, and there is no upper age limit – we have carers of all ages, from 21 all the way up to 80 years old. What matters most is that you have the time and patience to support a vulnerable young person in care. In return, you’ll receive a weekly fee and allowance, as well as ongoing support from a dedicated Supervising Social Worker (for example, Mr Smith fosters 9 year old Theo, and his 15 year old sister. He receives £376.82 per week in allowances and £181.80 per week in fees). You’ll also need a spare room, but you do not need to be a homeowner. You can foster if you are private renting or living in a Council or Housing Association property, and we may be able to discuss the possibility of a larger property with Homefinder if you don’t currently have a spare room. For more information on fostering, please call 0800 587 9900 for an informal chat with our friendly team, or visit www.fosteringinsomerset.org.uk

New business support schemes and grant funding launched across Somerset – don’t miss your chance to apply

Businesses across Somerset are now able to access fully funded business support made available through the ‘Unlocking Somerset Prosperity’ programme.

Funding has been awarded through the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund and the programme and activities will drive forward business recovery and growth in Somerset.

South Somerset District Council are working in partnership with Somerset County Council, Mendip District Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset West and Taunton Council to support this scheme.

The application window for these grants is limited, so we encourage all business who believe they are eligible to apply as soon as possible.

More information, including how to apply, can be found at:www.somerset.gov.uk/business-and-economy/community-renewal-fund-2021-2022/

The Unlocking Somerset Prosperity scheme offerssupport programmes to benefit businesses across Somerset. An overview is available below:

1. Pre-start, Re-start and Start Up Support Package – available soon

Support is available to individuals that are thinking of starting a business, or have recently started a business, in Somerset and need guidance on the next steps. This programme will provide a combination offlexible digital, direct learning and 1-2-1 advice to help your business to grow.

2. Local Network and Cluster Support – applications now open

Business groups (including Social Enterprises), networks and clusters working in Somerset or those looking to set up new groups can apply for grant funding. The grants are to aid recovery from Covid-19 and support the strengthening or creation of business groups, networks and clusters. The scheme is targeted in particular at those most affected by the economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, for example, younger people and the over-50s. More information and the online application form is availablehere.

3. Business Growth Support Programme – applications now open

Businesses are invited to apply for grants to access specialist and expert business support services that boost the pace and scale of development, transformation, innovation, decarbonisation, and employment growth.

The Business Growth Support Programme aims to provide support for up to 30 businesses with a focus on priority sectors including Clean Growth, Aerospace, Digital and Agri-Tech and their supply chains. Grants will be awarded to businesses to allow them to access specialist and expert business support service providers to meet their own specific needs and have a transformative impact on the business. Further information, including eligibility details and the online application form, can be foundhere.

4. High-Growth Business Catalyst Support – applications now open

This support is available to ten business with high growth potential. The scheme builds on the previous Somerset Catalyst programme and provides bespoke support linked to individual ‘step change’ business issues. The programme will blend 1-2-1 coaching, digital workshops, peer group guidance, business review panels and access to market-leading industry experts. Visit the Somerset Catalyst website to find out more and complete the online application form:https://somersetcatalyst.co.uk/

ENDS

Notes for Editor

To view all of our news releases, please visitwww.southsomerset.gov.uk/latest-news

South Somerset District Council is also on social media:

www.twitter.com/southsomersetdc

www.facebook.com/SouthSomersetDistrictCouncil

www.instagram.com/southsomersetdistrictcouncil

www.youtube.com/southsomersetdc

For more information:

Email:communications@southsomerset.gov.uk

Issued by:

South Somerset District Council Communications Team

Email:communications@southsomerset.gov.uk

Somerset Village & Community Agents are brought to you by the Somerset Charity.

CCS Village & Community Agents provide confidential, practical community-based solutions for you, wherever you are in Somerset.

Your local CCS Village Agent can be contacted directly, or by referral through your Doctors surgery.

CCS Community Agents can only be contacted by a referral from your doctors or Adult Social Care Services.

They are problem-solving solution-finding super heroes!

For further information, please visit: www.somersetagents.org or contact your local village agent Ellie Brunt on 07985 680228 or eleanorb@somersetrcc.org.uk