Taunton Roadworks Set to Begin for Major Housing Development

Major roadworks are anticipated in Taunton, with plans for the Staplegrove urban extension involving 1,628 homes and a new primary school. These developments will take place on land between the A358 Staplegrove Road and Taunton Road, located at the north-western edge of Somerset’s county town. The initial phase of roadworks is expected to last up to 60 weeks, although a start date has yet to be established.

To facilitate the first phase of the housing project, Somerset Council’s planning committee approved plans in late June to widen Staplegrove Road and replace the Silk Mills roundabout with traffic lights. This initial phase will include 713 homes and commercial space, thereby unlocking the western half of the development. Highway officers indicated in late July that the construction process could span over a year, with work organized to minimize traffic disruption.

Following the submission of plans for the next phase of Staplegrove West by Bloor Homes, which includes an additional 239 homes, the council has yet to confirm when the major roadworks will commence. Phase 1A, which was initially approved in July 2022, involves the establishment of a new road junction and improvements to the surrounding road network. A revised scheme is currently under a separate planning application.

Phase 1B of the project will deliver the first 239 homes along the new spine road, connecting Staplegrove Road to Taunton Road. Of these, 203 homes will be sold at market rates, while 21 houses will be available for social rent and 15 for shared ownership. The plan includes the creation of several green spaces, such as ‘Rectory Green’ and ‘Rag Hill Park’, as well as road connections to an employment zone that is slated for future development.

A representative from Carney Sweeney, the firm representing the developer, emphasized the project’s intent to foster a sense of identity that integrates well with existing developments. They noted that pedestrian and cycle paths would be a key feature, ensuring connectivity throughout the site.

Somerset Council is expected to make a decision on the proposals by spring 2026. However, construction will be contingent upon the completion of the spine road and upgrades to the A358. The northern section of the road will undergo significant alterations to accommodate the first segment of the spine road, necessitating extensive earthworks due to the steep gradient of the land.

The current Silk Mills roundabout, which connects the A358 to the A3065 Silk Mills Road, will transition into a signalized three-way junction. Enhancements to the A358 will include additional lanes, as well as shared-use pedestrian and cycle paths. Existing vegetation and pathways near the Grove Gate and Nash Green estates may need to be removed to facilitate these changes.

Jon Fellingham, the council’s service manager for highways development management, assured in late July that efforts would be made to minimize clashes with other roadworks in the vicinity. He stated, “We recognize that there is obviously the potential for severe traffic disruption in this location.” The aim is to maintain two-way traffic flow as much as possible during construction, balancing the needs of the ongoing development with the local community’s access requirements.

As the situation stands, there is currently “no start date or agreed programme of work” for the project, according to the council. The comprehensive roadworks are designed to support both current and future developments in the area, while also addressing local traffic concerns.