Somerset Council has confirmed that a £6 million flood defence scheme aimed at safeguarding large parts of Taunton town centre has been postponed and will now commence in early 2027.
For several years, the council, alongside the Environment Agency (EA) and the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA), has collaborated on a series of initiatives grouped under the Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation and Improvements Scheme (TSFAIS). These projects are designed to shield the town centre from frequent flooding.
In October 2025, the council’s executive committee approved advancing the highest priority element of the scheme, which involves constructing reinforced concrete flood walls along two critical sections of the River Tone. These walls will be finished with brick facades to blend with the existing architecture and flood defences.
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The key protected sections are along Clarence Street, between French Weir Park and Tangier Bridge, and near the former Poundstretcher site between Riverain Lodge and Town Bridge. This infrastructure will relieve approximately 225 properties from flood risk and decrease flood exposure for an additional 508 homes and businesses.
Beyond protecting residences and commercial sites, the defences will secure vital local infrastructure, including the A3027 roadway, North Town Primary School, Taunton Pool, and Deane House, home to the town’s police station and council chamber.
Funding for this scheme largely comes from the community infrastructure levy (CIL) from local housing developments, contributing up to £5.76 million. The Department for Education is contributing £750,000 to specifically protect North Town Community School, while the Environment Agency expects to add between £500,000 and £800,000 through grants from Defra.
Certain flood defence provisions, such as those between Riverain Lodge and Tangier Bridge, were completed as part of earlier developments by Churchill Retirement Ltd. Additionally, the Firepool regeneration site, formerly a cattle market, was elevated above the flood plain in late 2022 to reduce risk to future residential and commercial projects.
The council is currently consulting with Taunton Town Council and other local partners to plan construction carefully, aiming to minimize disruption to residents, businesses, and community events. Work hours and schedules will be adapted accordingly.
A spokesperson emphasized ongoing communication with those affected and noted that initial preparatory work for additional flood alleviation projects is in its early stages.