NEW jobs will be coming to Taunton under the latest approved phase of a major housing development, writes Daniel Mumby, Local Democracy reporter.

Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Homes are constructing the Orchard Grove development that will deliver 2,000 new homes between the A38 Wellington Road and Honiton Road.

The developers' proposed “employment zone” at the western edge of the site, along with a ‘park and bus’ facility has this week been approved by Somerset Council’s planning committee.

Most of the employment facilities - excluding the shops in a planned ‘local centre’ - will be at the western edge of the site, near the newly-constructed roundabout on the A38.

The employment zone will feature a range of light industrial and small business units and will contain the first stretch of a new cycle link connecting the park and bus site to the new homes, Orchard Grove Primary School currently being constructed, and eventually run into the town centre.

Cllr Dixie Darch, assistant portfolio holder for climate change and active travel, said: “I’d like some reassurance that removal of the red Tarmac [near the site] is not going to negatively impact on cycling infrastructure.

“Some hedgerow removal is going to have to happen – can we ensure that this is minimised and planting is done at the appropriate time?"

Simon Fox, the council’s major projects officer for planning, said the plans would enhance cycling provision throughout the site and the removal and replanting of hedgerows had already been approved in the outline planning consent, granted by the former Taunton Deane Borough Council.

Cllr Habib Farbahi said: “We approved a local play area near this site in April 2022 – when is that going to be delivered?

“More than 100 units have been delivered, and we have children living there who have nowhere to go.”

Mr Fox said the play equipment is on order and will be installed by the end of the summer.