The development of a continuous north-south walking and cycling corridor across Taunton has taken a significant step forward with the approval of the final phase of the Nerrols Farm housing project. In April, Somerset Council’s planning committee west greenlit revised plans for 292 new homes on Lyngford Lane—the third and last phase of this development.
The proposal faced local concerns due to restricted vehicular access; all traffic must enter and exit via Cheddon Road rather than connecting directly to Bossington Drive, which serves earlier phases of the estate. To address these concerns and encourage sustainable transport, David Wilson Homes has committed to delivering extensive walking and cycling enhancements that improve connectivity within Nerrols Farm and the wider Priorswood community.
Key improvements include a new active travel link onto Leigh Road, providing a safe route to Nerrols Primary School. Alongside this, new shared-use cycle paths will be installed along Cheddon Road toward Pyrland School, expanding the existing infrastructure north of Taunton railway station.
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These upgrades are integral to completing the ‘red route’—a key north-south corridor identified in Taunton’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). This route will ultimately extend uninterrupted from Cheddon Road to the Orchard Grove site, passing through the town center. Along its path, the red route runs adjacent to both Nerrols Farm and a separate development near Pyrland Farm proposed by Gladman Developments. It continues south along Cheddon Road, linking Pyrland School, Wellsprings Leisure Centre, and other local amenities.
Currently, the pedestrian paths along Cheddon Road are narrow and unable to comfortably accommodate two-way pedestrian and cyclist traffic without conflict or the need to step onto the verge. As part of the new development, David Wilson Homes will replace these with a three-metre-wide shared-use path. Traffic junctions at Farm Road, Dorchester Road, and Ladymead Road will also see upgrades. This shared path will extend to the school crossing, connecting seamlessly with existing walking and cycling routes toward Taunton Green public space and the Wellsprings hospital, which provides mental health services.
A legal Section 106 agreement requires David Wilson Homes to complete the entire path before any homes on the site are occupied, ensuring new residents can walk and cycle safely from day one.
Local authorities emphasize these measures as essential to promoting sustainable transport and reducing congestion on Cheddon Road caused by increased traffic from the new housing. The red route continues beyond these upgrades, crossing the A358 and connecting with Station Road near the railway station’s northern entrance.
The Taunton LCWIP, published in October 2021, outlines a long-term vision for enhancements along this corridor, with funding expected from government sources and developers. Upcoming improvements include the Firepool boulevard and a new walking and cycling bridge over the River Tone, expected to be completed by year-end. These features will facilitate safe crossing over the A3087 Trenchard Way, linking key commercial and residential areas to the town center.
Further along the route, the red route passes the Market House roundabout and pedestrianized High Street, through Vivary Park, and into residential neighborhoods like Wilton and Sherford before reaching Orchard Grove. The Taunton Area Cycling Campaign has long advocated for urgent safety upgrades at the Market House roundabout, calling attention to the need for repairs until a larger scheme can be funded.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, responsible for transport and waste services, acknowledged these concerns and explained that budget constraints have limited immediate improvements. He assured residents that the council continues to seek external funding and encourages reporting of any maintenance issues for prompt attention.