Proposals to build 145 homes on land west of Honiton Road in Trull, near Taunton, have been formally refused after the developer failed to meet key deadlines.
Broadlands Twenty Twelve initially submitted plans in January 2015 to develop the site adjacent to Canonsgrove halls of residence, part of Bridgwater and Taunton College. The project envisioned a new main access road from Honiton Road and the construction of homes primarily located between Canonsgrove and Sweethay Lane, with some properties and allotments north of Sweethay Lane near Trull Tennis Club.
Despite ongoing concerns from the council’s highways department—highlighted in correspondence from January 2025 regarding unresolved access issues—there has been no communication from the developer since that time. Consequently, Taunton Deane Council has “finally disposed of” the application due to inactivity, requiring that any future proposals be submitted anew.
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Nash Partnership, representing the developer, had described the project as “an exemplar development” intended to provide a lasting benefit to Trull, Staplehay, and the wider Taunton area. However, under government planning guidelines, large applications such as this are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, with a possible 26-week extension if agreed. Importantly, a lack of communication for six months allows the council to reject an application outright.
Alison Blom-Cooper, assistant director for strategic place and planning at the council, confirmed the refusal: “This application has not been determined and has been finally disposed of. No extension of time has been agreed, and there has been no contact with the applicant or agent in over six months.”
This decision follows a recent refusal of plans for 125 homes on the ‘green wedge’ north of Comeytrowe Road by the council’s planning committee west. Meanwhile, proposals by Strongvox Homes for around 40 homes on the opposite side of the green wedge and a separate application for 130 homes near Trull Cricket Club on Dipford Road are still under consideration.