A popular meadow in Taunton that hosts parkrun events could be transformed into a flood storage area as part of a £50 million Somerset-wide programme aimed at reducing flood risk.
Somerset Council’s executive committee has approved 15 schemes over the next two years to protect vulnerable communities, funded through central government grants. Significant investment is earmarked for Taunton, including £7.5 million for defences along the left bank of the River Tone near the former Poundstretcher site and £6 million to enhance Firepool Weir.
Among these initiatives, the council has commissioned a study into the future of Longrun Meadow, a valued green space situated between Taunton town centre and the Silk Mills park and ride facility. Known for its popular parkrun, willow cathedral, and network of walking paths linking local schools, medical centres, and French Weir Park, Longrun Meadow also acts as a natural flood defence by slowing water flow into the River Tone and surrounding streams.
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The proposed study, allocated £400,000, will explore the feasibility of transforming the meadow into a managed flood attenuation area. This could involve constructing bunds to temporarily hold large volumes of water during periods of heavy rainfall, effectively turning the site into a pond in winter months.
Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, responsible for communities, climate change and the environment, explained during the executive meeting in Frome on 23 September that the flood alleviation scheme aims to strengthen defences in Taunton town centre and utilises Longrun Meadow to reduce flood risk further downstream, including in the Levels and Moors areas.
Concerns were raised by Councillor Sarah Wakefield regarding the impact on the parkrun and other recreational activities. She inquired whether the meadow would become inaccessible or only flood during significant river rises.
Piers Hooper, the council’s strategic manager for flood resilience, stated that delivering the Longrun Meadow project within two years is unlikely without substantially increased funding. He suggested that with around £500 million and a longer timeline, between five and ten years, the council could realise its ambitions. Currently, the focus is on completing detailed designs, costed business cases, and community consultations to pave the way for future investment.
Mr Hooper emphasised the importance of evaluating community use throughout the feasibility study, recognising the area’s active community groups, recreational uses, and proposals to designate it as a nature reserve.
James Divall, head of service for climate and natural environment, acknowledged local passion for Longrun Meadow and highlighted the council’s aim to balance flood risk management with maintaining community facilities and green travel routes.
Following the meeting, Somerset Council confirmed that plans for Longrun Meadow are at an early stage and stressed that extensive public consultation would take place before any firm decisions are made. A spokesperson added that the initial pre-feasibility study will determine what can be achieved within the current funding framework and that residents will be consulted should plans advance to detailed appraisal stages.