Taunton residents are being urged to give their views on a new strategy which could transform the town’s river and canal network in the years ahead.

Somerset Council’s Taunton waterways strategy identifies a number of projects which could regenerate the town’s waterways and riverside areas, improving the appearance of the town and making the area more accessible for both residents and visitors.

The council has prioritised a number of ‘quick wins’ which could be delivered in the coming years – including the delivery of the Firepool boulevard, a possible cycle link along Priory Bridge Road and the conversion of the former pump-house at Firepool Lock for commercial use.

A public consultation will be held throughout the autumn, with the final strategy expected to be adopted by the council shortly after Christmas.

The strategy covers the River Tone from Silk Mills to Ruishton and the M5, along with the river’s numerous tributaries and the southern end of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal.

Like the emerging Somerset Local Plan (which will be completed in early-2028) and the Taunton Garden Town design guide, it is designed to set a standard for future development along Taunton’s waterways – especially on vacant brownfield sites like the former Tangier gasworks and the Firepool site.

It is also designed to identify projects which could be taken forward through future grant funding, whether through central government, housing developments or the voluntary sector.

The strategy will seek to a deliver a “linear water park concept” for the town centre, showing how each individual section of the river and canal can be enhanced to improve access and encourage greater leisure and commercial use.

Similar concepts will be produced to enhance the various River Tone tributaries (such as the Norton Brook and the Sherford Stream), as well as identifying where biodiversity can be improved and access between the different green spaces along the river can be enhanced (for instance, through new walking and cycling infrastructure).

The strategy includes a number of joint projects with other public sector bodies, such as the Environment Agency (EA), which are designed to deliver strategic benefits to the town – such as flood prevention. These projects include:

Optimising water storage at Longrun Meadow, preserving more of the green space while protecting homes and businesses downstream

Reducing “constriction” within the Mill Stream through Goodlands Gardens – including raising the footbridge to the planned new transport hub

Making improvements to French Weir and Firepool Weir

The SRA has been working with the council and the EA on a number of projects which will reduce flood risk in Taunton town centre, protecting both residential and commercial properties.

Around £6m has been set aside since February 2021 to deliver two projects – new or raised flood defences on the left bank of the River Tone between Frieze Hill and Town Bridge, and improved defences around the Firepool Lock canal gates.

The waterways strategy also identifies a number of ‘quick wins’, which can be delivered relatively speedily at a comparatively low cost (or through investment from the private sector). These ‘quick wins’ include:

Installing “floating business units” near the Coal Orchard site, providing affordable space for small businesses

Converting the ground floor of the Firepool Lock pump-house into commercial space, providing “an eastern bookend to the town centre”

Identifying suitable places for future bridges over the river and canal

Exploring the feasibility of a cycle route on Priory Bridge Road, near the Firepool regeneration site

Delivering the Firepool boulevard and associated public art along the route between the river and the railway station

Developing plans to increase recreational use of the canal

Improving walking and cycling routes in the French Weir area – including either upgrading or replacing the Marshallsea bridge

A council spokesman said: “This strategy builds on several prior studies and reports which have emphasised the significance of the River Tone to the town.

“The Taunton garden town vision places its waterways at the heart of the town and its regeneration, seeks to make the most of them and rediscover the historic connection between the town and surrounding landscape.

“While many of this strategy’s recommendations are not currently funded, the work will form the basis for future funding bids and seeks to attract investment.”

Numerous bodies identified within the strategy could end up providing funding for these proposals – including the SRA, the EA, the Canal and River Trust, the West Country Rivers Trust, Natural England, Wessex Water and the Woodland Trust.

In addition to these larger projects, the strategy also commits to an extensive maintenance and management programme, ensuring that the river and canal can be kept to a high standard going forward.

The spokesman added: “Your input is essential in shaping the future of Taunton’s waterways.

“By sharing your views, you help us ensure that the waterways strategy reflects the real needs and aspirations of the community.

“Your feedback will guide important decisions about how the river and canal are maintained, improved, and integrated into the town’s development.

“Your voice matters in creating a more vibrant, sustainable, and accessible waterway network that benefits everyone.”

To give your views on the waterway strategy, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/planning/waterways-pre-consultation before October 7. The full consultation is expected to begin shortly afterwards and will be published on the council’s website.

The final strategy is expected to be approved by the council’s executive committee by early-2025.