Taunton riverside path near Goodland Gardens reopened

The footpath near what was the Poundstretcher store has been recently reopened after a Taunton-based developer took an option on the site with a view to redeveloping it as a commercial and residential mix.

Acorn responded positively to an approach from councillors to allow use of the path near Goodland Gardens pending redevelopment.

Plans include a permanent path along the river and the path will need to temporarily close again during construction, which is not expected to begin until later in 2025.

Cllr Nick O’Donnell, past Mayor of Taunton and current town councillor said: “We’ve heard from many local people about the inconvenience of not being able to use the path in recent times and local councillors took the opportunity to press the developer to reopen it.

Photo (l-r): Town councillors Nick O’Donnell and Caroline Ellis, Donna Collier, planning director of Acorn Homes, Mark Thomas, managing director of Acorn Homes, and Mike Rigby, Somerset Councillor and Planning & Economic Development portfolio holder. (Image: Cllr Mike Rigby)

“We are very pleased that Acorn Homes, who have only recently become involved with the site, have responded so quickly and positively to the approach, putting in place a temporary surface and fencing to allow the use of the path.

“The news comes hard on the heels of the completion of the refurbishment of Town Bridge, which aside from major structural repairs, has seen an overhaul of its cast iron parapets and lighting.

“New lamps were installed two weeks ago, bringing a project long called-for by Taunton residents, to a successful conclusion.”

Back in June, Taunton residents were asked to support an application that would make the footpath in the town centre a designated right of way.

The town council gathered supporting statements, and the spokesperson added that they recorded “a large amount of interest”.

Residents asked for the footpath to be reopened after the closure of Goodland Gardens bridge, which was then removed.