A KEY section of Taunton’s flood defences could be upgraded in the coming months to protect new flats planned for a key brownfield site in the town centre.

The Environment Agency (EA) has been working with Somerset Council and its predecessor on the Taunton strategic flood alleviation improvements scheme (TSFAIS) – which comprises a number of projects intended to reduce flood risk in Taunton town centre, protecting more than 1,300 residential and commercial properties.

Somerset West and Taunton Council voted in February 2021 to commit up to £6m towards two projects within the scheme, with a further project involving Longrun Meadow also being developed.

The scheme has been delayed several times since this funding commitment, with progress being delayed by the transition to Somerset Council and planning permission not being secured.

The Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) has now confirmed that the intended delivery of the scheme is being re-jigged to ensure that the planning redevelopment of the former Poundstretcher site can be properly protected.

Taunton-based developer Acorn Homes launched a six-week consultation on the future of the site in late-September 2024, putting forward proposals to build up to 50 flats on the site along with several commercial units on the ground floor.

The company – which is currently delivering new flats on the Firepool Lock site near Taunton railway station – is expected to formally submit a planning application for the site by the early-summer.

Ann Rhodes, the council’s principal planning policy officer, provided an update on the scheme was published before the Somerset Rivers Authority (SRA) set its annual budget in Yeovil on March 7.

She said in her written report: “During the last year we have seen some changes to development sites adjacent to the defences, with proposals for the redevelopment of the Poundstretcher site, following its demolition, progressing at pace.

Artist's impression of the planned redevelopment of the former Poundstretcher site on the A3027 The Bridge in Taunton (Graphic: Acorn Homes)
Artist's impression of the planned redevelopment of the former Poundstretcher site on the A3027 The Bridge in Taunton ((Graphic: Acorn Homes))

“There have been new requirements in the planning process too, with the introduction of the mandatory biodiversity net gain to ensure natural habitats are left in a measurably better state than before development.

“In the light of these changes, we have looked at the phasing of the different sections of this scheme.

“The section near Weirfield Green and the local nature reserve is being paused, to allow the council to prioritise the areas where the existing defences provide the lowest protection.

“These are the defences adjacent to Clarence Street and the BT Exchange, where the proposed improvements will reduce the risk of flooding to both North Town and Firepool areas, and the former Poundstretcher site, where improvements will reduce flood risk in areas to the north of the river in the centre of Taunton.

“By prioritising these sections, the council is seeking to provide best value and maximise efficiencies by working in conjunction with the developer’s programme for the redevelopment of the former Poundstretcher site.”

Revised outline designs for each aspect of the scheme were put forward in December 2024 following engagement with key stakeholders, including BT, the National Grid, Natural England, Wales & West Utilities, Wessex Water and local landowners.

Ms Rhodes said the existing flood defences around French Weir Avenue (including the local health centre) would “continue to provide the required flood protection” in the event of a one-in-100 years flooding event – and that the EA would continue to monitor these defences until improvement plans could be brought forward.

Existing flood defence walls on Clarence Street in Taunton (Photo: Environment Agency)
Existing flood defence walls on Clarence Street in Taunton ((Photo: Environment Agency))

The section between Clarence Street and the Town Bridge can be improved under permitted development (i.e. without needing planning permission), allowing them to come forward in the near-future.

Ms Rhodes added: “The detailed design has commenced for these sections which will provide construction drawings and associated packages.

“This work also includes meetings with Acorn Homes to co-ordinate design information on site levels and access.

“The flood works will directly benefit North Town Primary School and as suchhave secured funding for the construction phase from the Department of Education.”

The SRA has allocated £665,650 to the TSFAIS project, of which all but £100,000 has been spent on the detailed design work.

A further discussion of Taunton flood defences is expected to take place when the council’s planning and transport policy sub-committee meets on April 8.