Residents of Stoke St. Mary, a small village in Somerset, are uniting to oppose plans for a new town comprising 7,000 homes on land adjacent to their community. The proposed development is part of the Somerset Council’s new Local Plan consultation, which outlines housing and employment growth up to 2045.
Major developer Taylor Wimpey announced in early July its intention to build the ‘garden village’ east of Taunton Racecourse, assuring protection for the areas closest to the Blackdown Hills. However, local residents remain deeply concerned. They fear “urban sprawl” will irreversibly damage the distinctive rural character and natural beauty of the Blackdown Vale and surrounding landscapes.
The grassroots campaign, ‘Save the Blackdown Vale,’ was launched at a packed meeting on July 15 at Stoke St. Mary Village Hall. Organizers urged community members to submit objections before the public consultation closes on July 24, emphasizing the importance of making voices heard by Somerset Council and elected officials.
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Campaigner Colin Fisher stressed, “This development is completely inappropriate. It would obliterate the Blackdown Vale, a unique setting within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape. Instead of smothering it in concrete, we must protect this irreplaceable environment.”
The bulk of the proposed town lies within the parishes of Orchard Portman, Stoke St. Mary, and West Hatch, with parts extending into sensitive woodland bordering the Blackdown Hills. Taylor Wimpey put the site forward in February 2025 as part of the ‘call for sites’ exercise inviting potential development locations.
Rob Hossel, another campaign member, noted, “Somerset’s essence is its rural nature. While growth is necessary, it must be organic and integrated with existing communities—not drastic change that erases local identity.”
Though the masterplan remains unpublished, it reportedly includes new primary and secondary schools with special needs provisions, a healthcare hub, commercial spaces, affordable housing, and a mass transit route linking to Taunton town centre. Taylor Wimpey asserts that over half the development will remain green space designated for recreation, agriculture, biodiversity, and more, and that no homes will be built within the boundaries of the Blackdown Hills.
Former Taunton Deane MP and environment minister Rebecca Pow also opposes the plan. She highlighted the value of the site’s prime farmland for food security, alongside ancient woodland and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest—all at risk from the development.
The Somerset Local Plan consultation remains open until July 24 via the council’s website. Following feedback, a summary will be released in early November. Further public consultations are scheduled for September 2027 and March 2028, with the plan’s potential adoption slated for March 16, 2029.