The delivery of 2,000 new homes at Taunton’s largest residential development, Orchard Grove, is set to speed up following a successful bid for government funding. This comes through the UK government’s New Homes Accelerator Fund, launched in August 2024, aiming to unlock and expedite large housing projects across the country as part of a broader goal to build 1.5 million homes before the next general election.
Councils nationwide were invited to submit bids between late August and late October 2024. Orchard Grove, located on the western edge of Taunton in Somerset, is one of just six sites selected for initial funding, and notably, the only site chosen from the entire South West region.
The fund’s purpose is to tackle planning and regulatory hurdles that have delayed development on large approved sites, thereby enabling homes to be built faster. Importantly, the government has stipulated that at least 25% of homes delivered across these sites must be affordable, ensuring a mix of housing options for local families.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner MP emphasized the government’s commitment, stating, “We are breaking down barriers preventing the delivery of much-needed homes for families and young people. The New Homes Accelerator is a vital step toward meeting our 1.5 million homes target and addressing the housing crisis.”
The Orchard Grove development is being delivered by a consortium consisting of Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group—comprising Bovis Homes and Linden Homes—working alongside the housing association LiveWest. The site extends from the A38 Wellington Road to Honiton Road in Trull and will eventually house up to 2,000 homes.
A spokesperson for the consortium expressed enthusiasm about the national recognition: “Being selected as one of six priority sites highlights the government’s confidence in our vision. We are dedicated to delivering not only new homes but also jobs and economic growth for Taunton and the wider region.”
The spokesperson further explained that the funding will help overcome planning and regulatory challenges, crucially accelerating the development timeline. The project includes the delivery of a significant proportion of affordable housing to benefit Somerset families. The consortium also plans to establish a vibrant new community featuring local businesses, a business park, a park-and-ride facility, allotments, sports pitches, and 100 acres of public green space.
Since construction began in 2020, several homes have already been completed, particularly in the western neighbourhood near the Orchard Grove Primary School. Local MP Gideon Amos has advocated for additional government support to complete essential infrastructure such as the spine road, a secondary school, and a health hub to serve the expanding community.
Somerset Council has acknowledged the announcement but is awaiting further details about the funding allocation and specific use within the Orchard Grove project. A spokesperson stated, “We are currently in early discussions with the government on the targeted support that will help speed up home delivery at Orchard Grove.”
With this boost in funding and collaborative effort between government and developers, Somerset is poised to see much-needed new homes built more quickly, supporting families and strengthening the local economy.