Plans to build up to 125 homes on a protected ‘green wedge’ near Taunton remain under consideration despite recent council opposition to boundary changes. The Taunton Deane Core Strategy, endorsed in 2012, established nine green wedges to safeguard key landscapes, maintain Taunton’s distinct urban boundary, and prevent it from merging with neighboring villages such as Trull.
Somerset Council recently reviewed these green wedges, initially recommending the removal of the ‘Trull Ridge green wedge’ and minor boundary adjustments elsewhere. Strong backlash from residents led the council’s planning and transport policy executive sub-committee to reject these changes, keeping the green wedge designation intact.
Nevertheless, BSL Strategic Ltd. submitted a proposal in October 2024 to construct 125 homes on agricultural land north of Comeytrowe Road, within the boundaries of the Trull ridge green wedge. The development would connect Comeytrowe Road and College Way via a new spine road, occupying roughly half of the green wedge. Of these homes, 31 would be designated affordable, meeting the council’s 25% target for affordable housing within developments of ten or more units.
Currently, the two roads are linked by a public right of way behind existing residences on New Road and Bradford Close. If approved, only a narrow strip of green wedge would remain between the new housing and Honiton Road.
Planning officer Paul Sherman acknowledged the development’s harm to the local landscape but emphasized the broader benefits. In his report, he noted the council’s inability to demonstrate a five-year land supply for housing, giving significant weight to the proposed market and affordable homes. Additional benefits highlighted include improved pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, enhanced surface water management, biodiversity gains, creation of public open space, and local economic uplift.
Local residents voiced strong opposition during the planning and transport policy executive sub-committee meeting on February 4. Carolyn Warburton stressed the wedge’s role in maintaining the distinct identity of Taunton and Trull, criticizing the review process as rushed and incomplete. Brigadier Bill Dunham echoed concerns, highlighting the cultural importance of preserving village identity.
Councillor Dawn Johnson, representing Comeytrowe and Trull, praised resident engagement and called for a thorough consultation, underscoring the wedge as a vital visual and community buffer. Her viewpoint is supported by a petition signed by nearly 1,200 current and former residents.
Public health and environment portfolio holder Councillor Graham Oakes reflected on the green wedge’s long-standing protection, attributing recent status disputes to government interventions. Councillor Mike Rigby, responsible for economic development and planning, expressed discomfort with the limited public consultation and urged reconsideration of the approval process.
The planning committee west will consider the application at a meeting in Taunton on February 24 at 10am. Should they approve the proposal, legal agreements regarding financial contributions to local services must be finalized within six months, or the decision risks being overturned by the council’s chief planning officer.