Somerset’s county town, Taunton, is set to welcome over 200 new homes as part of the extensive Orchard Grove development, despite mixed reactions regarding the design and environmental considerations.
Situated between the A38 Wellington Road in the Comeytrowe area and Honiton Road near the village of Trull, Orchard Grove is a major residential project by the Orchard Grove Consortium, which includes Taylor Wimpey, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and LiveWest. Ultimately, this development aims to deliver up to 2,000 new homes.
The site already features a new primary school and a ‘park and bus’ facility. Construction is now progressing on commercial spaces and a 68-bed care home near the western entrance. Recently, Somerset Council approved two separate plans for an additional 209 homes along Egremont Road, at the heart of the development.
The larger plan, submitted by Taylor Wimpey, will add 165 homes ranging from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses. Notably, 27% of these homes (about 45) will be affordable, partly funded by a grant from Homes England to increase affordable housing above initial agreements.
Meanwhile, LiveWest’s proposal targets 44 homes south of the main road, near Lipe Hill Lane, which will remain open to vehicles. This parcel will have a higher proportion of affordable housing, with 61% (27 homes) designated as affordable, including one-bedroom flats and four-bedroom townhouses.
The council expedited decisions on these plans to avoid complications arising from imminent government phosphate mitigation rules under the Planning and Infrastructure Act.
At a recent Taunton planning committee meeting, councillors openly debated the designs and environmental aspects. Councillor Andy Hadley praised the site overall but expressed concerns over the “climbing wall” brick patterns on some houses, questioning their security and practical implications.
Councillor Steven Pugsley was more critical, comparing some brickwork to a “car park in Sheffield” and labeling parts of the design as “unpleasant,” a sentiment challenged by Councillor Habib Farbahi, who defended the project’s potential to create a flagship community.
Other councillors highlighted concerns over green verges near the new homes. Councillor Nick O’Donnell warned that without adequate tree planting or measures to prevent parking on these spaces, their appearance and utility could suffer.
Environmental considerations also came under scrutiny. Councillor Dave Mansell voiced disappointment that the homes would rely on gas boilers rather than more sustainable air source heat pumps, emphasizing the council’s commitment to climate-positive planning.
Despite the reservations, the Taylor Wimpey scheme was approved by six votes to two, with one abstention. The LiveWest plan passed with seven votes in favor, one against, and one abstention.