Somerset Council and central government have engaged in “frank but constructive” discussions about delivering vital infrastructure at Taunton’s largest development site, Orchard Grove. Situated between the A38 Wellington Road and Honiton Road, this expansive project is set to include 2,000 homes, commercial spaces, a care home, a primary school, and a park and bus facility—with some already operational.
Local MP Gideon Amos is actively working with Somerset Council to secure government funding for additional infrastructure, including a health hub, a secondary school, and the completion of Egremont Road, which will eventually stretch across the site from west to east.
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP recently visited Taunton with representatives from Homes England and suggested that Orchard Grove could serve as a “case study” for the government’s housing objectives. He expressed support for funding new facilities within the development.
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The talks included MP Amos, Minister Pennycook, Councillor Habib Farbahi (whose Comeytrowe and Trull division incorporates Orchard Grove), Councillor Mike Rigby (portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets), and a senior council planning officer.
Mr. Amos emphasized the town’s urgent need for a new secondary school, as existing schools are nearing capacity and local demand for places is growing. He also highlighted the necessity of enhanced healthcare services, stating residents should not have to accept thousands of new homes without corresponding improvements in GP availability and NHS provisions.
The council’s planning committee recently approved plans for 209 new homes within the Orchard Grove site. However, senior planning officer Simon Fox confirmed that shops and the community centre will only be developed after 1,000 homes have been built.
Reflecting on the meeting, Mr. Amos said, “We convinced the minister of the need for a new community health centre and secured agreement to develop a detailed business case for it. Although planning for a secondary school will be a longer-term effort requiring substantial funding, officials will raise the proposal with the Department for Education.”
Significantly, Minister Pennycook suggested that Orchard Grove could serve as an example of how new housing developments across England might better integrate schools, healthcare, and other essential infrastructure from the outset.
Orchard Grove is the only development in the South West to benefit from the government’s new homes accelerator fund. However, over six months after its confirmation in September 2025, details on funding amounts and allocations remain undisclosed.
Councillor Farbahi praised the collaborative meeting, stating it demonstrated how local representatives, ministers, and council officers can work together to deliver necessary infrastructure as the town grows. The phosphates crisis has slowed progress on Orchard Grove, as mitigation efforts are required to protect the Somerset Levels and Moors, but permissions for 209 homes are now moving forward to expedite housing delivery before new government mitigation rules take effect.
Councillor Rigby commented, “Matching infrastructure pace with housing growth is a critical challenge. This meeting marks a key step toward positioning Taunton as a leading example where development is supported by the schools, healthcare, and community facilities needed to foster thriving communities.”