Children in Taunton are missing out on essential cricket and rugby facilities because of delays caused by a housing developer’s failure to complete an access road. The much-anticipated sports pitches, planned as part of the Monkton Heathfield urban extension south of the A38 relief road, were initially approved in January 2017 to serve the rapidly growing community.
In June 2024, West Monkton Parish Council submitted proposals to create a rugby pitch, cricket pitch, and BMX pump track on the designated land. The plans also included nearby parking and changing rooms. However, progress has been stalled due to Persimmon Homes South West not completing the access road from the Hyde Lane roundabout, preventing construction from moving forward.
Councillor Norman Cavill, representing the Monkton and North Curry division, highlighted the problem during a full council meeting in Bridgwater on July 16. He acknowledged the successful delivery of a 420-place primary school and community centre, but expressed deep concern over the unfulfilled commitments to employment land, sports facilities, and retail amenities. With approximately 1,500 new homes and an estimated 500 children aged 7 to 17 in the area, the absence of cricket and rugby pitches is leaving young residents without opportunities to play.
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Local sports clubs, including West Monkton Cricket Club and Taunton Rugby Football Club, are unable to accommodate the growing number of children eager to participate.
After lengthy negotiations, the Section 106 agreement was modified in August 2023 to shift some responsibilities to the parish council, which applied for planning permission in June 2024. Persimmon Homes had pledged to complete the access road by August 2024, but neither permission nor infrastructure has yet been delivered.
Councillor Cavill noted that without road plans, water, electricity, or drainage provided by the developer, the parish council is unable to proceed. He called for stronger enforcement and support from local authorities to resolve the matter swiftly.
Meanwhile, planning deliberations continue for the second phase of the Monkton Heathfield extension, dubbed Langaller Park, which envisions 1,450 additional homes and a combined primary and secondary ‘through school.’ This phase has faced multiple delays, with decisions postponed as recently as November 2024.
Councillor Mike Rigby, responsible for economic development and planning, clarified that enforcement of the road completion is not within the council’s remit, stating it is Persimmon’s responsibility. He confirmed that although the current deed of variation does not legally bind the developer to construct the access road, Persimmon intends to complete and commission the work by September 2024.
A joint statement from Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes expressed regret over the delays but reassured the community that the access road would be finished by the autumn, allowing essential sports amenities to finally become accessible. They emphasized pride in delivering the primary school and community centre already, while apologizing for the postponement of the road infrastructure.