Minehead Plan : Inspiring People & Place Final Report September 2021
Introduction & Context Minehead is a popular and lively seaside town on the West Somerset coast of the Bristol Channel and situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park. It benefits from stunning natural assets from the sweep of the beautiful open bay, the mile-long sandy beach and historic harbour area, allied with easy access to the open countryside and moor. Renowned for the long established Butlins holiday resort, Minehead offers so much more, including West Somerset Railway (the longest heritage railway in England) and the start of the 630-mile, South West Coast Path.
Minehead is also a well-loved and thriving community. It is the main settlement in West Somerset with a population of almost 14,000 people and a relatively self-contained local employment base of some 5,425 employee jobs. It acts as an important service hub to the surrounding rural area and adjacent coastal settlements.
This document presents a fresh vision and strategy to direct the future of Minehead. It has been prepared by PER Consulting on behalf of Minehead and Coast Development Trust (see Appendix A for details), working in close partnership with Minehead Town Council, Minehead Business Improvement District, Somerset West and Taunton District Council and Somerset County Council.
The Minehead Plan: Inspiring People & Place takes a holistic view of the challenges facing Minehead now and in the future. It provides a fresh perspective on the way forward, to help enhance and grow the economic and social wellbeing of the town. Realisation of the Plan will demand continued commitment to partnership working from all those dedicated to the success of Minehead, presenting a consistent and unified voice for the benefit of Minehead.
