A significant £6 million flood defence scheme has been approved to protect homes, schools, and businesses along the River Tone in Taunton from future flooding events. This project involves constructing reinforced concrete walls along key sections of the riverbank.
Somerset Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, will deliver these new defences, which will safeguard hundreds of properties in Taunton’s North Town area. The improvements form part of a larger flood alleviation strategy designed to reduce flood risks across the region.
The new flood barriers will protect critical infrastructure including the A3027 corridor—specifically Bridge Street, Staplegrove Road, and Station Road—as well as important community facilities such as North Town Primary School, the local police station, swimming pool, and council offices.
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Cllr Caroline Ellis, North Town’s Somerset Council representative, emphasized the importance of the project: “This is vital protection for residents and businesses along the River Tone. Over 700 homes will gain enhanced flood security, along with schools, shops, restaurants, and sheltered housing. It’s also crucial for Taunton’s wider economy and key development zones like Firepool and the Poundstretcher site.”
The new defences will also support regeneration efforts at Greenbrook Terrace and Wood Street and underpin ongoing redevelopment initiatives in the Firepool area.
Taunton MP Gideon Amos praised the scheme’s approval, stating, “Flooding cannot be allowed to threaten Taunton again. I’ve been collaborating with the council and Environment Agency to bolster flood defences, so seeing this project move forward is fantastic news for local businesses and residents.”
This phase of the project is part of the wider Taunton Strategic Flood Alleviation and Improvements Scheme. While groundwork began prior to Somerset Council’s reformation in 2023, the plan has now been officially endorsed by the council’s Executive Committee. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026.
The flood defence walls will feature reinforced concrete with a brick finish designed to blend with surrounding homes and existing structures. Funding for the entire scheme comes from external sources, including the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Somerset Rivers Authority, and Homes England.