Taunton’s largest new housing estate, Orchard Grove, is moving closer to establishing a vital community hub, thanks to a significant initiative by Taunton Town Council. The development, which will ultimately feature 2,000 homes, stretches between Wellington Road (A38) in Comeytrowe and Honiton Road near the village of Trull.
So far, key infrastructure including a new primary school and a ‘park and bus’ facility have been completed. Current construction efforts are focused on commercial spaces and a 68-bedroom care home near the estate’s western entrance. A new civic square off Egremont Road was recently opened on July 11, enhancing communal spaces.
However, Somerset Council’s planning officers indicated that a local centre, which would offer shops and a community hub, is unlikely to emerge until around half the homes are completed. The introduction of a secondary school is projected no earlier than 2030.
In response, Taunton Town Council’s operations and assets committee has allocated £25,000 from the Orchard Grove stewardship budget to commission a feasibility study. This study will evaluate the practicality of delivering a community hub within the estate’s ‘local centre’—positioned along Egremont Road within the western neighbourhood—over the next few years.
Senior planning officer Simon Fox emphasized the current challenges: “There aren’t enough residents yet or passing traffic to support services or shops in this cul-de-sac style location.” The study will consider community needs, required land size, potential layouts, costs, funding opportunities, and planning permission requirements.
Councillor Nick O’Donnell, chairing the committee, highlighted the council’s proactive approach: “This is an important step toward providing the community facilities necessary for this growing neighbourhood while also making practical improvements for current residents.”
Residents currently access community spaces by driving, using the park and bus service, or walking and cycling via established routes. The walking and cycling path, part of Taunton’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), connects Orchard Grove to the town centre through a series of off-road and residential paths.
Somerset Council recently conducted a consultation on converting part of Comeytrowe Road into a ‘green lane’ to encourage walking and cycling by limiting motor vehicle access. The results are awaited and will guide future developments.
Together, these steps underscore a committed effort to foster a vibrant, connected community within Orchard Grove as the development progresses.