‘Horrendously designed’ homes planned for edge of Taunton

The western side of Taunton is currently seeing significant housing growth, with the Orchard Grove urban extension expected to eventually deliver 2,000 new homes between the A38 Wellington Road and Honiton Road.

BSL Strategic Ltd has put forward plans to deliver a further 125 homes on Comeytrowe Road, on agricultural land to the south of the Queen’s College campus.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals by the spring of 2025.

The site lies between Comeytrowe Way and College Way, with both roads currently being connected by a public right of way which runs behind the existing homes on New Road and Bradford Close.

Under the proposals, new access points will be created onto both roads, with a spine road running through the centre of the new estate.

Of the 125 new homes planned for the site, 31 will be affordable – meeting the 25 per cent target for any new development of ten homes or more within the former Taunton Deane area.

A large amount of the green space to the east will be retained as a buffer, with a significant amount of the existing trees and hedgerows being retained.

Under the proposals, new access points will be created onto Comeytrowe Way and College Way. (Image: JDA)

A spokesman for Tetlow King Planning (representing the Warrington-based developer) said: “The development of up to 125 homes is considered to be a logical proposal in a sustainable location.

“The development will deliver wider community benefits through the provision of new open space for recreation and play.

“The new residents attracted by the proposals will also support the viability of existing services and facilities within the local area, helping to sustain their future retention and expansion.”

Numerous local residents have already objected to the proposals, citing a lack of local services and the growing risk of localised flooding.

George Sherwin, who lives on Honiton Road, said: “There is not enough provision for local services, including schools and medical facilities.

“We need to see the effect that Orchard Grove is going to have on the roads and local area before agreeing to new houses. Flooding is also becoming a big issue in the area.”

Rebecca Dunstan, who lives in Cherry Orchard in Trull, said: “The Orchard Grove development proves this additional housing is not required; building of those houses in Orchard Grove has slowed as they are not being sold.

“It is vital we protect our green space for future generations. The existing local services, including doctors and schools, are already over-subscribed.”

Lindsey Murphy, who lives on New Road near the proposed development site, added: “This development threatens Trull’s village status by creating a direct road linking Trull to Galmington and dramatically altering its character, turning the area into a more urbanised environment.

“Our particular road, which will back onto the housing estate, will be particularly damaged by noise and horrendously designed houses.

“There will be a substantial increase in local traffic and congestion. The road systems already cannot cope.

“The field is part of the green wedge which protects Trull from urban sprawl and supports wildlife. Deer, hedgehogs and foxes are frequently spotted in this field.

“We have already lost countless fields to the 2,000 houses being built. Please don’t allow this to be another area for destruction.”

NHS Somerset has requested that the development provide more than £52,000 for improvements to the College Way Surgery – which was highlighted back in September 2020 as one of 14 Somerset surgeries which would need to be expanded or relocated in light of housing growth.

The council is expected to make a decision on the plans early in the new year.