Somerset Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, has announced a £6 million flood protection project aimed at safeguarding homes, businesses, and key infrastructure in Taunton. The scheme will bolster flood defences along the River Tone, significantly reducing flood risks in the town centre.
Set to commence between April 2026 and April 2027, the project focuses on two key stretches along the River Tone in the North Town area: between French Weir Park and Tangier Bridge near Clarence Street, and between Riverain Lodge and Town Bridge near the former Poundstretcher site. Reinforced concrete walls, finished in brick to blend with the local architecture, will be installed to protect approximately 225 properties directly and reduce flood threats to an additional 508 properties.
The flood defences will also safeguard critical roads such as the A3027—including Bridge Street, Staplegrove Road, and Station Road—and vital community sites like North Town Primary School, the police station, the town council offices, the swimming pool, and sheltered housing. Importantly, the scheme supports ongoing regeneration efforts at the Greenbrook Terrace and Wood Street sites, and enables continued development at Firepool, a key area raised out of the floodplain in 2022.
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Councillor Graham Oakes, Lead Member for Public Health, Climate Change and Environment, emphasized the project’s importance: “A major flood event could cost the local economy up to £50 million. Beyond economic loss, flooding causes significant distress and disruption. This work is essential to keep Taunton’s people and infrastructure safe.”
The project is fully funded through external sources, including DEFRA, the Somerset Rivers Authority, and Homes England, ensuring no burden on local taxpayers. Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, recalled the devastating 1960s floods and highlighted how this project will protect Taunton for the future.
Recent developments at the Firepool regeneration site continue to enhance flood resilience, with new public spaces and infrastructure underway. Meanwhile, the future of the former Poundstretcher site remains under discussion after developer Acorn Homes withdrew plans for redevelopment in late 2025.
Experts warn that climate change will increase flood risks due to heavier rainfall and changes in soil permeability. Research from the London School of Economics explains that less permeable soil and saturated ground escalate surface runoff into rivers, making flood defences like those in Taunton even more crucial.
This ambitious flood alleviation scheme marks a pivotal step in protecting Taunton’s homes, businesses, and community assets against the growing threat of flooding, ensuring a safer and more resilient future for the town.