Residents of a normally peaceful street in Taunton are bracing for “five more years of torture” as construction accelerates on hundreds of new homes nearby. The Staplegrove West development, also known as Quantock Park, recently received planning approval for its first 242 homes, part of an eventual 713-home community with commercial spaces and a new spine road connecting the A358 Staplegrove Road to Whitmore Lane.
Bloor Homes South West is spearheading construction efforts, including building an attenuation pond near Rectory Road designed to protect existing homes in the Staplegrove area from flooding. However, residents of Hillhead Cottages adjacent to the site have voiced strong concerns about the impact of construction activities. Carol Pearce expressed frustration over the contractors’ approach, citing damage to century-old hedgerows and pervasive “thick red dust” covering properties and gardens.
The hedgerow near Rectory Road, home to native trees, shrubs, and endangered bird species such as goldfinches, greenfinches, and sparrows, is reportedly under threat. Pearce fears this vital wildlife habitat could be destroyed, contradicting environmental protections promised in the planning process. She said, “The pond is being dug too close to the hedge—we worry it will be destroyed and removed without notice.”
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Residents have also complained about dust suppression measures not being consistently applied, despite Bloor Homes’ commitment to using mobile water tanks (bowsers) to keep dust down. Pearce described ongoing dust plumes, relentless noise, and vibration as making normal life at home unbearable. “We can’t even go outside due to the noise and dust,” she said, lamenting early morning starts by construction machines that violate planning conditions.
While acknowledging Bloor Homes’ positive engagement with residents before work began, Pearce criticized the contractors’ failure to meet reasonable requests on-site. The disruption affects the local community deeply as the area transforms from countryside to a vast housing estate comprised of 1,400 new houses across the Staplegrove urban extension.
In response, Bloor Homes South West stated they have investigated the residents’ concerns. They confirmed that pond excavation follows approved GPS-based plans and noted that vegetation growth since original drawings may affect perceptions of proximity to the hedge. An independent ecologist was scheduled to assess potential environmental impacts, with work near the hedge paused until that assessment is complete.
The developer also announced plans for dust suppression upgrades using larger water bowsers and tractors to better control dust amid dry weather. Topsoil grading and hydro seeding will help stabilize soils along the pond’s embankment, supporting hedge root health.
Bloor Homes reiterated its commitment to community feedback and said it has taken steps to improve practices following resident reports. Nonetheless, many local families still face years of significant disruption as the area undergoes rapid transformation.