The redevelopment of Taunton’s former gasworks site is finally set to move forward, following a decisive ruling by the Planning Inspectorate. This marks a significant step toward transforming the long-dormant brownfield site into a vibrant residential community.
Galliford Try Partnerships initially secured planning permission in June 2019 to build up to 176 homes on the site, which is bordered by the River Tone, Tangier, Castle Street (A3807), and Tangier Way. The plan includes a mix of flats and townhouses, arranged into seven blocks and constructed in phases. Key improvements include a new riverside footpath and two additional access points from Tangier.
In 2022, Vistry Partnerships applied to discharge three essential conditions tied to the original planning consent, which would enable construction to progress after delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Somerset Council delayed a decision, prompting the developer to appeal on grounds of non-determination.
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The Planning Inspectorate has now ruled in favour of the developer. This outcome aligns with a recent Supreme Court decision concerning phosphate mitigation requirements for developments in the region, particularly regarding environmental protections on the Somerset Levels and Moors Ramsar site. The court clarified that developments granted permission before updated Natural England guidelines do not need to delay construction for phosphate mitigation measures.
This ruling removes previous hurdles linked to environmental concerns and confirms that the conditions requested by Vistry can be discharged without further habitat regulation assessments. The decision effectively jumps the green light for preparatory and construction work to begin.
Taunton Deane Borough Council’s planning committee first backed the redevelopment in December 2018, though a legal agreement wasn’t finalized until mid-2019. The development aims to revitalize an important town centre site, contributing positively to Taunton’s social and economic landscape.
A spokesperson from Mitchell Architects, representing Galliford Try, emphasized in 2018 that the project presented an “exciting opportunity to regenerate and revitalise” the former gasworks site.
While the developers typically have three years from planning approval to start construction before permissions expire, discharging the key conditions enables early groundwork to proceed, facilitating a smoother build phase.
Somerset Council remains cautious. Though it acknowledges the Planning Inspectorate’s ruling, it has yet to receive confirmation from Vistry on when construction will commence. No legal costs were awarded as part of the appeal decision, and the council continues to monitor developer intentions.
With these obstacles resolved, Taunton’s long-awaited gasworks redevelopment stands on the brink of delivering much-needed homes and revitalizing the town centre landscape.