More than 1,800 people in Somerset have signed a petition against plans for a large new ‘garden village’ near the M5 motorway. The campaign follows the end of a public consultation on Somerset Council’s new Local Plan, which will guide housing, employment, and infrastructure development up to 2045.
Taylor Wimpey submitted a proposal to build around 7,000 homes east of Taunton Racecourse, land acquired from the Crown Estate in late 2018. The planned development would be a settlement comparable in size to the town of Wellington.
The petition, which represents more signatures than the entire population of the affected parishes, will be formally presented to the leader of Somerset Council, Bill Revans. Campaigners gathered near the proposed site earlier this week to express concerns about possible impacts on the natural environment and the distinctive character of the Blackdown Hills national landscape.
Opponents argue that housing growth should come through organic development rather than new large-scale settlements. The petition warns that building a settlement of this size east of the M5 would strain Taunton’s facilities and divide the town, which residents believe should have the M5 as its boundary.
Colin Fisher from the Save the Blackdown Vale Campaign highlighted strong local opposition not only for environmental reasons but also due to insufficient infrastructure in the area. “Local communities are deeply concerned,” he said.
Following a meeting at Stoke St. Mary Village Hall, the Blackdown Vale Society was formed to protect the Vale’s unique character. Its charter emphasises thoughtful and proportionate development that respects the landscape, villages, heritage, and rural limitations.
Ronald Lansdell, the society’s chairman, said the group is not against all change but advocates for developments that are appropriate and sensitive to the area’s character.
Former Taunton Deane MP and former environment minister Rebecca Pow has voiced support for the campaign. She acknowledged ongoing housing development in the local village of Stoke St. Mary but stressed the importance of choosing suitable locations for new growth. Pow also noted widespread concern about the lack of infrastructure to support a development of this scale.
Taylor Wimpey confirmed it will continue consulting residents as its proposals evolve and reiterated its commitment not to build within the boundaries of the Blackdown Hills national landscape. The company stated its vision includes modern, energy-efficient homes accompanied by schools, healthcare, community spaces, and supporting infrastructure to create a self-sustaining community.
The council is currently reviewing feedback from the initial public consultation, which did not focus on specific site allocations. Further consultations on site allocations are planned for autumn 2027, with a final consultation round scheduled for early 2028 before the Local Plan proceeds to the Planning Inspectorate, which may hold additional hearings.
Councillor Mike Rigby, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, thanked residents for their input so far and emphasised that no sites have been allocated yet. He affirmed the development of the Local Plan is a lengthy process with more opportunities for public involvement to ensure development aligns with community priorities.