Concerns continue to mount regarding a proposed ‘garden village’ development that could potentially leave Taunton split by the M5 motorway.
Somerset Council recently closed the initial consultation phase for its new Somerset Local Plan, which aims to guide the delivery of approximately 75,000 new homes county-wide by 2045. Within this plan, one of the most debated proposals involves Taylor Wimpey’s ambition to build a ‘garden village’ comprising 7,000 homes near Taunton Racecourse on land acquired from the Crown Estate in 2018.
Taunton Town Council has chosen not to adopt an official stance on this proposal yet, emphasising the importance of maintaining an open mind until formal site allocations are confirmed.
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At a special meeting of the town council’s planning, development, and licensing committee on 6 August, several local residents voiced their concerns. Brenda Orr, a Taunton resident for 40 years, reflected on the area’s unique landscape: “Driving from Chard to Taunton, the view from Winterwell, stretching across the Blackdown Vale towards the Quantock Hills, is one of Somerset’s finest. It is hard to imagine this sensitive countryside being transformed into a town of 7,000 houses. Once it’s developed, that landscape will be lost forever. Do we want Taunton to be divided by the M5?” She urged the council to oppose the development proactively ahead of the site allocations announcement in September 2027.
David Orr, another resident, highlighted transport concerns: “Sites are being assessed without clear settlement boundaries or adequate consideration of landscape impacts. The Taylor Wimpey development could house around 16,000 people, generating approximately 42,000 daily vehicle movements. This would significantly affect Taunton, yet no council tax from this development would benefit our town council to mitigate these impacts. This is not a typical urban extension.”
Colin Fisher, chairman of Stoke St. Mary Parish Council and a member of the Save the Blackdown Vale campaign, acknowledged the need for new and affordable housing but emphasised that “development must be properly planned, sustainably allocated, and based on sound evidence.” He criticised the short timeframe provided to residents and councils to review extensive technical information, arguing that land assessment should precede allocation.
The Save the Blackdown Vale campaign further notes that “previous plans have consistently regarded the M5 as Taunton’s boundary. These new proposals risk converting the tranquil Blackdown Vale into suburban sprawl, making the M5 central to Taunton instead of its edge.”
Councillor Connor Sollé, chair of the town council’s planning committee, acknowledged these points but stressed the importance of a measured approach. “We agree these concerns merit thorough assessment as the Local Plan progresses. However, at this early stage, the council is not taking a formal position on any specific site. We will remain open-minded until relevant evidence and proposed allocations can be properly reviewed. We recognise the significant long-term impact of the Local Plan and will actively engage in the process.”
Following the committee meeting, the council published its formal consultation response on Somerset Council’s website. A spokesperson highlighted the town’s vital role: “Taunton, as Somerset’s county town and key centre for services, employment, and transport, must be clearly acknowledged throughout the Local Plan. A single county-wide plan should not dilute Taunton’s unique role or opportunities. Housing and employment strategies need to be integrated to support balanced communities and the town’s vitality. Development scale, timing, and location must align with demonstrable infrastructure capacity and credible delivery programmes. Construction should not advance ahead of necessary infrastructure. We keep open our position on housing numbers, settlement boundaries, growth directions, and site allocations pending further evidence on infrastructure and viability.”
As the Local Plan consultation progresses, the fate of the proposed garden village near Taunton and its potential impact on the town’s landscape and connectivity remains a focal point of public and council scrutiny.