Land designated for Somerset’s newest railway station, planned for Wellington, will remain protected even if the government opts not to proceed with the £15 million project, according to local developer West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. The company, which received planning approval in May 2024 to build 200 new homes on Nynehead Road, will also provide access to the proposed railway station.
The government’s decision on whether to fund the station — alongside a similar project in Cullompton, Devon — will be announced following its spending review in mid-June. This comes after persistent campaigning by local MPs Gideon Amos and Richard Foord. Despite uncertainty, West of England’s managing director, Chris Winter, has assured that the station site will be conserved, allowing for the possibility of revisiting the project in the future.
Mr. Winter confirmed plans to begin construction of a new spine road to the station site in autumn. This road will be finished before any homes are occupied, ensuring vital access infrastructure is in place early on.
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Following approval from Somerset Council’s planning committee for additional plans related to the spine road and the station square — the welcoming area for passengers — West of England is progressing carefully. The company is seeking permission to delay the spine road’s initial June 5 start to autumn to manage design complexities, including licenses for environmental considerations such as dormice habitats and hedgerow clearances.
Funding for the spine road was initially provisionally allocated at £4.5 million by the council, sourced through the community infrastructure levy (CIL) from other housing developments. However, Mr. Winter stated this “backstop” funding may no longer be required due to the developer’s commitment to deliver the infrastructure, freeing CIL funds for other needs such as schools.
Environmental sustainability remains paramount. The station site lies within the River Tone catchment, necessitating phosphate mitigation to protect the Somerset Levels and Moors. To meet regulations, the developer invested £1 million in phosphate credits, acquired from WCI, a local engineering firm specializing in upgrading septic systems to reduce phosphate pollution.
Mr. Winter expressed confidence the station will receive government approval, noting substantial local investment and the minimal reliance on taxpayer funding. “Network Rail has indicated this is one of the best business cases they’ve seen,” he said, emphasizing benefits such as enhanced green travel opportunities and proximity to local businesses and housing.
If approved, Network Rail will still need to secure separate planning permission before construction begins. Until then, the land will be held in trust and protected for future station development. The Section 106 agreement has even been adjusted to allow the council to reclaim the land for station use whenever they are ready.
Although approval could come in June, construction won’t start immediately. Previously planned surveys by Network Rail must be redone due to delays, meaning work might not commence for at least a year. The first residents may not move into new homes until 2027, with housing nearing completion as station construction begins.
Overall, while government funding remains uncertain, the foundation has been laid to ensure that Somerset’s new railway station remains a viable and protected future asset for Wellington and the wider region.