DEVELOPERS say significant progress is being made at Orchard Grove, the 2,000-home community at Comeytrowe.

Figures show a team of 493 people have planted more than 2,750 trees and shrubs, and laid more than 1,500 metres of road to build the new development from the ground up.

Work on the new garden community is being led by a consortium of leading housebuilders – Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group, which includes Bovis Homes and Linden Homes.

Vistry Group is working on the project as a joint venture with housing association LiveWest.

Work began at the tail-end of 2020, but last year saw a big push to deliver vital infrastructure and begin building much-needed new homes.

The community is set to develop further in 2022 with a series of firsts for Orchard Grove, including welcoming the first residents, creating the first of many areas of parkland, and building starting on the first community amenity - Somerset’s first carbon neutral school.

Sue Scholfield, from Vistry Group and the Orchard Grove Consortium, said: “A huge amount of work, investment and skills have gone into establishing this exciting new community.

"It is hugely rewarding to see how Orchard Grove is taking shape.

"Much has been achieved already in developing new infrastructure and delivering high-quality new homes.

"With plenty more milestones in the pipeline for the year ahead, this is a community that will only get better and have even more to offer.”

KEY MILESTONES IN 2021.

  • 493 skilled workers on site;
  • Much happened underground to ready the site for construction, including installing over 2,000 metres of drainage;
  • 1,500 metres of road laid to create connections to and within the development;
  • over 2,750 trees and shrubs planted;
  • 1,000 square metres of wildflower seeds sown;
  • more than 1,600 square metres of turf laid;
  • eight attenuation basins created to capture and control rainwater run-off;
  • 800 metres of retaining walls built;
  • a ceremonial brick laid to mark the creation of the first homes;
  • starting the new A38 junction to better connect the development to Taunton and the surrounding area;
  • planning approval granted for the first parkland and playground;
  • sales offices opened and Orchard Grove homes went on sale;
  • go-ahead given for the creation of a primary school, set to be Somerset’s first carbon neutral school;
  • Comeytrowe Business Park, a dedicated commercial area at the top of the site, launched and already attracting interest.

WHAT'S NEXT FOR 2022.

  • the first residents will move to the new community;
  • the A38 junction will be completed;
  • Pocket Park – the first park and playground – will be built and plans will be developed for Horts Park, an area of public parkland;
  • construction will begin on the £7.3million, new primary school and nursery, ahead of its expected September 2023 opening;
  • the first allotments will be developed;
  • Comeytrowe Business Park will welcome its first business;
  • construction will continue, with miles more roads and transport connections made, vital infrastructure installed, and more homes built.