The masterplan for an ambitious new Somerset town comprising 7,000 homes has recently been unveiled, stirring considerable local debate. The development is set to take place on 1,200 acres of former productive farmland, known as the Orchard Portman estate, which the Crown Estate sold to major developer Taylor Wimpey in 2019 for £12.5 million.
Taylor Wimpey confirmed in early July its intention to progress proposals for the new town, located to the east of Taunton Racecourse. The site was submitted before the public consultation phase for Somerset Council’s new Local Plan commenced. This Local Plan will allocate housing and employment land through to 2045.
Following a Freedom of Information request lodged by the Save the Blackdown Vale campaign group, detailed plans outlined by Taylor Wimpey have come to light. Documents obtained revealed ongoing discussions between the council and the developer dating back to January 2025. Local residents have been given just two weeks to submit any objections before the consultation period closes.
Rob Hossell, a campaign organiser, warned of the potential consequences, stating, “The masterplan shows just how the new town could destroy the scenic beauty of the Blackdown Vale if it is ever built. No amount of mitigation with green spaces and parks can hide 7,000 homes within the beautiful setting of the Blackdown Hills national landscape, which holds the same status as a national park in planning terms.”
He added that while the government’s push for new council housing might overshadow planning concerns, heightened regional devolution offers local communities an opportunity to have a greater say in such developments.
The masterplan details a ‘garden village’ to be constructed east of the racecourse, with residential areas extending north towards Haydon Lane, effectively surrounding the village of Stoke St. Mary. The design includes a series of neighbourhood hubs offering community spaces, healthcare services, and sustainable transport links, with at least three hubs dotted across the site.
Plans also feature a new primary school at the site’s southern point, with the possibility of a secondary school in the Shoreditch area north of the racecourse. Taylor Wimpey has committed to preserving over half of the estate as green space dedicated to sport, recreation, food growing, equestrian activities, children’s play areas, and biodiversity enhancement, and assured that no homes will be built within the Blackdown Hills boundary.
The outer edges of the estate, especially to the south and east, are earmarked for public open spaces, sports facilities, and improvements to existing public rights of way.
Colin Fisher, another campaigner from Save the Blackdown Vale, urged continued community engagement. “Although council planning officers suggested that new settlements might not be considered in the next Local Plan stage, consultation documents still reference allocating ten per cent of new homes to new settlements, potentially including sites like this,” he said.
“Given Somerset’s target of approximately 75,000 new homes over the next two decades, this equates to about 7,500 dwellings - roughly matching Taylor Wimpey’s proposal.”
Former Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow, actively opposing the development, emphasised the importance of protecting the area. “As a former environment minister, I understand the value of safeguarding this national landscape. Housing growth is necessary but must not come at the cost of our cherished rural environment. The area east of the M5 motorway is simply not suitable for such a development,” she commented.
Residents are encouraged to make their voices heard by writing to local councillors, who hold responsibility for the Local Plan decisions.
The public consultation on the Local Plan, originally scheduled to end on 24 July, has been extended to 9 August following community feedback. A summary of responses will be published in early November, with further consultation rounds planned through to 2028 before the plan’s expected adoption in March 2029.
To participate in the consultation, visit www.somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/planning/local-plan-scoping-consultation-2026/consultation.
For information about the Save the Blackdown Vale campaign, visit www.blackdownvale.org.uk or search for ‘Save the Blackdown Vale’ on Facebook.