THE FATE of a major Taunton housing development remains in the balance after a decision was pushed back by councillors for a fifth time.

Persimmon Homes South West and Redrow Homes put forward joint plans in December 2021 for phase two of the Monkton Heathfield urban extension, which will deliver more than 1,400 new homes at Taunton’s north-eastern edge along with employment sites, a new school, and a relief road.

A decision on the plans has been delayed four times since September 2022, during which time the masterplan for the development has been altered through substantial negotiations between the developers and planning officers.

Now, six months from the previous deferral in early May, Somerset Council’s planning committee has pushed any decision back a further six months. A final ruling is now expected Spring 2025.

Urban phase one completed

Phase one of the Monkton Heathfield urban extension has been largely completed, including the western relief road (WRR) which connects the new homes to the A3259.

However, the employment land identified at the southern edge of phase one, between the A38 and the M5, remains largely undeveloped – with Taunton Deane Borough Council agreeing in January 2019 that some of this land could be released for further housing.

The most recent version of the plans envision a total of 1,450 homes, nearly five hectares (c. 12 acres) of employment land, a ‘through’ school (combining primary and secondary provision on the same site, a ‘district centre’ with local shops, a ‘mobility hub’ and a new eastern relief road to link up with the A38.

Since the May meeting, the NHS Somerset integrated care board has submitted a request for more than £921,000, which will be used to provide additional capacity at the following medical centres:

  • Creech Medical Centre, Hyde Lane, Creech St. Michael
  • North Petherton Surgery, Mill Street, North Petherton
  • Crown Medical Centre, Venture Way, Taunton
  • Lyngford Park Surgery, Fletcher Close, Taunton
  • Taunton Vale Healthcare (Blackbrook Surgery), Lisieux Way, Taunton

Since the committee last met to consider the plans, two other housing developments near the phase two site have been given the go-ahead – with plans for 33 homes on the Langaller Farm site being approved in June and a further five homes on Langaller Lane getting the nod in August.

A further 100 homes will soon be delivered just over the M5 in the neighbouring village of Creech St. Michael after Bellway Homes South West acquired land on North End, following a successful appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.

Monkton parish against project

West Monkton Parish Council has reiterated its objection to the elements of the proposals, including the proposed road network through the phase two site which it says will raise traffic density.

“There is a need for a relief road to be delivered as part of this development,” it said.

The committee voted unanimously to defer a decision on the plans until the spring.