4.1 This chapter sets out the fundamental principles that will guide the strategy across Bath and North East Somerset for accommodating new housing, employment development and supporting infrastructure, whilst addressing climate, nature and health and well-being needs. Sub-areas within Bath and North East Somerset are identified and their potential role is briefly explored, summarising key opportunities and challenges. Finally, site or location options that might potentially contribute to helping meeting the overall development needs (outlined in chapter 3) and therefore, a District-wide spatial strategy are summarised. The site or location options are then explored in more detail in the sub-area and place-based chapters that follow, including consideration of how the options for new development can address issues and priorities identified by communities.
4.2 Bath and North East Somerset has close relationships with the surrounding area. Therefore, the spatial strategy for accommodating development within Bath and North East Somerset also needs to be considered alongside the strategies in neighbouring authorities’ Local Plans. The Unitary Authorities in the West of England (B&NES, Bristol City Council, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire), as well as Wiltshire and Somerset, will continue to liaise and co-operate in considering locations for development and the cumulative impacts.