Somerset Council has confirmed that a vital £6 million flood defence project protecting large parts of Taunton town centre won’t start until early 2027. The delay affects the highest priority element of the wider Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation and Improvements Scheme (TSFAIS), a multi-year collaboration involving the council, Environment Agency (EA), and Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA).
In October 2025, the council’s executive committee approved plans to construct reinforced concrete flood walls along two vulnerable sections of the River Tone. These locations include Clarence Street—stretching from French Weir Park to Tangier Bridge—and a site near the former Poundstretcher building between Riverain Lodge and Town Bridge. The new walls will be faced in brickwork designed to blend with existing buildings and river defences.
Once completed, these defences will safeguard approximately 225 properties directly from flooding, while lowering risk for a further 508 homes and businesses. Key infrastructures protected include the A3027, North Town Primary School, Taunton Pool, and Deane House, which houses both the police station and town council chambers.
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Funding for the scheme largely comes from local housing development contributions through the community infrastructure levy (CIL), which will provide up to £5.76 million. The Department for Education is also contributing £750,000 to enhance flood defence measures around North Town Community School. Additional support of £500,000 to £800,000 is anticipated from the EA via Defra’s flood defence grant.
Some parts of the proposed flood defence corridor already benefit from prior works. For example, Churchill Retirement Ltd. installed defences near Riverain Lodge as part of their planning obligations. Meanwhile, the Firepool regeneration site—a once flood-prone cattle market area—was raised out of the floodplain in late 2022 to lower risks for future residential and commercial development.
Somerset Council is currently consulting with Taunton Town Council and local stakeholders to fine-tune construction plans that minimize disruption to residents, businesses, and town events. The council has pledged to communicate regularly with those directly affected by the works.
A spokesperson stated, “Work is expected to commence in early 2027, pending weather and final planning confirmations. We are keenly aware this is a residential and commercial urban area, so will schedule construction thoughtfully to limit impact.”
Meanwhile, preparatory efforts to advance other flood alleviation projects in Taunton remain at early stages.