Taunton’s highly anticipated ‘park and bus’ facility along the A38 is slated to open by Christmas, according to a key local councillor. This new transport hub forms a crucial part of the Orchard Grove development—a major housing project that will eventually include 2,000 homes, commercial spaces, a care home, and a primary school. The development stretches between Wellington Road and Honiton Road on Taunton’s western edge, with construction managed by Taylor Wimpey, Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and LiveWest.
The ‘park and bus’ concept allows residents to park their cars and conveniently catch buses into Taunton’s town centre for shopping, leisure, and medical appointments. Although the dedicated entry and exit lanes onto the Orchard Grove roundabout were completed in the summer, the facility itself has yet to open to the public.
Somerset Council has now confirmed that after extensive discussions with developers and local bus companies, the facility will become operational by the end of the year. At a recent council planning meeting on November 25, Councillor Andy Sully raised concerns about the facility’s delay. “Every time I travel to Wellington, I see the completed ‘park and bus’ site, but it’s been lying idle since summer,” he said. “We need to get the bus companies involved to start using it.”
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In response, Councillor Mike Rigby, responsible for economic development, planning, and assets, assured that the opening is imminent. “I’ve been following this closely for months,” he noted. The final hurdle involves transferring the land to the council, expected by December 3. Once that’s complete, the council’s parking and transport teams will finalize plans to launch the facility promptly. “The buses are already stopping at the bus stop,” Rigby added, “so with a bit of luck, the car park will be open before the new year.”
Residents of the Orchard Grove development and the wider Taunton community can look forward to a more convenient, eco-friendly travel option shortly, supporting local traffic management and sustainable transport goals.