A significant boost is on the way for the burgeoning Cotford St. Luke community near Taunton, with approved plans for a new convenience store and several other retail units.
Hallam Land Management initially secured outline planning permission in February 2023 for a development featuring up to 80 homes and a takeaway outlet on land north of Dene Road. Since then, the site—now called The Oaks estate—was sold to Lovell Homes, who are actively building the new homes following detailed plan approvals in April 2025.
Recently, detailed planning permission was granted for the commercial element of the site. Somerset Council has approved plans for a convenience store alongside three additional units within the new local centre. These units could potentially serve diverse purposes such as a restaurant, takeaway outlet, or hair salon.
Situated near the entrance to the development, the commercial area will feature two single-storey buildings housing four units in total. The convenience store, spanning approximately 3,000 sq ft, will offer local residents a convenient shopping option, though the operator has yet to be announced. The remaining three units together provide roughly another 3,000 sq ft of flexible commercial space.
Parking provisions include 18 spaces adjacent to the store, featuring two disabled bays and two electric vehicle charging bays, all accessible via existing estate roads.
A spokesperson from Nexus Planning, representing Hallam Land Management, emphasized the design’s appeal: “The layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping will create an attractive, well-designed development that positively contributes to the character and amenities of the area.”
The development is projected to create up to 20 local jobs, depending on which businesses occupy the retail units.
Approval was granted through delegated planning powers, without requiring a public committee hearing. Planning officer Anthony Pick noted that the scheme aligns with the original outline permission and the designated local centre requirements.
Construction on the retail units is anticipated to commence before Christmas, bringing new services and employment opportunities to Cotford St. Luke residents.