Detailed proposals have been submitted for the construction of 161 new homes adjacent to Somerset’s newest railway station on Nynehead Road. This development follows outline planning permission granted in May 2024 to West of England Developments (Taunton) Ltd. for up to 200 homes, which also includes the new access road leading to the £15 million railway station.
Although the railway station received formal approval in June after the government’s spending review, progress on the essential spine road has been delayed pending remedial work on an existing section built during the nearby Lidl supermarket construction.
Following a public consultation in September, Bloor Homes South West put forward detailed plans for 161 homes at the site. Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the proposal by spring 2026. Previous approvals in March included designs for the spine road and ‘station square,’ which will feature the original top of the Wellington Monument as a landmark.
Bloor Homes plans to allocate land closest to the station for new commercial premises, with details to be finalized through a reserved matters application. The development will provide dedicated walking and cycling routes along the spine road and toward the B3187 Taunton Road, promoting sustainable transport options.
Sizable green spaces will remain to the west of the housing area, with plans to plant more than 220 new trees and approximately 600 meters of native hedgerow, enhancing the local environment. The proposed homes will consist of three and four-bedroom houses; however, none will be designated affordable housing due to costs associated with phosphate mitigation, as outlined in the initial planning permission.
Despite the lack of affordable units, developer obligations under the Section 106 agreement include financial contributions toward local services. According to Carney Sweeney, who represent Bloor Homes, the development design incorporates feedback from public consultations and aligns with Taunton Garden Town principles—fostering a high-quality living environment centered on community and family life.
Bloor Homes has a strong track record in Somerset, with ongoing projects including 237 homes at Evergreen Parade, Bridgwater, and 130 homes at Somerton Mead. The company is also preparing for construction at the Staplegrove urban extension in Taunton, where plans for 239 homes are under consideration.
The council’s planning committee west, responsible for major developments in the former Somerset West and Taunton area, will publicly review the Nynehead Road plans early next year due to their significance. Network Rail is set to submit a separate application soon for the railway station, car park, and related facilities.
The Department for Transport has yet to announce an official opening date for the new station or its counterpart in Cullompton, Devon.