A glimpse of progress has been captured by drone footage showcasing a £2m upgrade scheme underway in Taunton, Somerset. This ambitious project seeks to pave the way for 1,628 new homes, along with commercial spaces and a primary school, in the Staplegrove urban extension located between A358 Staplegrove Road and Taunton Road.
The upgrade plan, initiated by Wessex Water in July 2023, entails the installation of new sewage infrastructure through the construction of new pipes. This essential step is crucial for the successful construction of the new homes. The footage portrays the initial stages of construction near Taunton Vale Sports Club, offering a preview of the considerable work in progress.
Furthermore, Somerset Council has greenlit plans for the development of new wetlands near the sports club. These wetlands will play a vital role in facilitating the construction of homes within the eastern section of the site. Despite the overarching approval for the Staplegrove urban extension, legal agreements between the council and developers were delayed due to the Dutch N court ruling and subsequent legal advice from Natural England in August 2020.
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In compliance with the legal advice, additional mitigation measures are required for any housing project within the River Tone catchment area to prevent an increase in phosphates on the Somerset Levels and Moors. Potential mitigation solutions include fallowing agricultural land, establishing new wetlands, or upgrading waste water treatment plans.
The development is segmented into two phases. The first phase, comprising 715 homes, commercial space, and a segment of the new spine road, is poised to commence construction shortly. It has received approval for new wetlands to the north and revised site plans. Meanwhile, the second phase, consisting of 915 homes, the remainder of the spine road, and a primary school, is set to commence in the near future, with new wetlands approved to offset the housing development.
Amidst these developments, Wessex Water highlighted the inadequacy of the existing local sewerage network in north-western Taunton, emphasizing the importance of expansion to mitigate potential flooding risks in the coming years.
The drone footage, shared on Facebook by Taunton resident Chris Haig, depicts a substantial trench extending from Gypsy Lane to Manor Road. A representative from Wessex Water affirmed the investment of around £2m in installing over a kilometer of new sewer pipe, with the project expected to conclude by September.
Despite the extensive construction work, the existing public right of way linking Manor Road to Staplegrove Village Hall and the A358 is anticipated to remain accessible throughout the duration of the project.