7.57 South Petherton is a large attractive hamstone village in central South Somerset. It lies immediately to the north of the busy A303 road corridor amongst the shallow folds of low limestone hills, some 7 miles west of Yeovil. The town is surrounded by gradual undulating hills that are regarded as having high landscape value, especially to the west, north and east. A small stream flows north through the centre of South Petherton before it feeds into the wider River Parrett further along its course. The land either side of the stream has been identified as part of the functional flood plain.

7.58 Listed Buildings are concentrated in the historic core and are incorporated within the Conservation Area.

7.59 The population of the village is approximately 2,489[1] with a higher than average percentage of people over 65 years (28%). A Parish survey in 2005 showed over 44% of the respondents had lived in the Parish for over 16 years indicating a low turnover of population. The village has a variety of services, however self-containment is an issue. The travel to work data shows that 64% of the population out commute and that this is mainly to Yeovil, Crewkerne, Ilminster and Ivelchester ward (mainly Yeovilton Air Base) and the surrounding area.