What does the Orchard Grove community currently look like?
Orchard Grove is a thriving new community in the heart of Somerset. This is a growing development, with hundreds of people already making it their home. Construction continues to create many more new homes alongside new facilities.
A huge amount of infrastructure work has already taken place; thousands of trees and shrubs have been planted, miles of roads have been laid, and a major new junction has been created to connect the new development to the A38 and Taunton.
Orchard Grove primary school has opened; this is Somerset’s first net zero school and a £11.3 million facility. Pocket Park, the first area of public parkland and a children’s play area has opened, and two more public open spaces are under development. At the top of the site, a Park & Bus transport hub is under construction and this will make connectivity to Taunton and the local area even easier.
What work is taking place at the moment?
How can I buy a home at Orchard Grove?
Afforable homes are also available at Orchard Grove. Vistry Group is working on this project as a joint venture with LiveWest, the leading South West housing association that owns and manages over 40,000 homes across the region. In addition, Taylor Wimpey offers a shared ownership scheme, powered by Home Stepper. Visit our New Homes page for more information.
What affordable homes are at Orchard Grove?
At Orchard Grove, Vistry Group is working on this project as a joint venture with LiveWest, the leading South West housing association that owns and manages over 40,000 homes across the region. You can register interest in the Shared Ownership homes at Orchard Grove by calling LiveWest on 0800 027 9801 or by emailing newhomes@livewest.co.uk
Taylor Wimpey offers shared ownership, powered by Home Stepper. Take a look at the ways to get onto the housing ladder at Orchard Grove on our New Homes page.
Is the school open?
Orchard Grove Primary School is now open. Pupils are in their brand-new school premises and enjoying life as part of the new community. The new site is Somerset’s first net zero school, which means the building is state-of-the-art and fit for the future, which makes it the perfect setting to help support and shape the next generation.
For those considering enrolling children at Orchard Grove primary, places are available for September 2025’s Reception class and Year 1. Find out more about the new school here https://orchardgrove.bep.ac/ or email office@orchardgrove.bep.ac
Will there be public transport?
Work has started on the Park and Bus hub, at the top of Orchard Grove, next to the A38. This will link in with the existing bus network, providing a regular connection to Taunton and the surrounding area. It will have provision for 300 vehicles to be parked, to enable people to make use of public transport.
Also helping to improve public transport links, a bus stop is being installed by the roundabout. The bus route is also expected to extend through the length of the new development, allowing ease of access for residents.
Are there walking and cycle routes to Taunton yet?
Yes, there are walking and cycle routes connecting Orchard Grove to the surrounding area – including right through to Taunton. At the top of the development, there is direct access to the A38. Further down the community’s main road – Egremont Road – is a footpath and cycle path linking to Lipe Hill Lane, which enables easy access onto the ‘blue route’ into Taunton. Existing public rights of way are being utilised and incorporated, linking to the development’s pedestrian and cycle network.
Where should residents and visitors park?
Each household has allocated parking spaces and residents should use these. Guests can be directed to the visitor spaces on the main road. Those visiting the sales offices are welcome to use the dedicated spaces.
It is vital that Orchard Grove remains as safe as possible for the entire community. The pavement and cycle path must not be used for driving or parking.
Will there be shops at Orchard Grove?
The process is currently underway to source and secure a commercial operator to create the local centre. It isn’t possible to confirm precisely what types or brands of shops, hospitality or leisure facilities might be part of the local centre yet.
What is the plan for the business park?
Comeytrowe Business Park will provide a variety of options from land deals to a full designed to suit service on a freehold or leasehold basis. Buildings will be built to a specification, which includes the latest sustainability aspects.
With units available from 2,750 sq ft and plots from 1.22 acres, open to a wide variety of uses, this new commercial space offers flexibility and potential. The commercial agent is Alder King and more information and viewings are available. Visit the dedicated website to find out more: www.comeytrowebusinesspark.co.uk
Will there be a GP/healthcare facility at Orchard Grove?
Will there be allotments available?
What is planned for the Eastern neighbourhood?
How will residents be impacted by construction?
A detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan is submitted by the developers and approved by the Local Authority for each reserved matters planning application, which will show how work will take place in a way that gives ample consideration to those living in the area.
How do you look after the environment and wildlife?
How are people be informed of changes to the site?
In addition, the developers are committed to liaising with the Local Authorities to ensure everyone is updated on important issues, made aware of planning applications, and has the opportunity to ask questions.
What is the pumping station?
It has been designed in accordance with national design guidance to ensure it is reliable and of the highest quality. Modern technology has been harnessed to deal with waste in a safe way that has no impact on the local environmental outside of the facility. The design features ensure that odour and noise are not an issue, with data automatically transmitted to alert Wessex Water if maintenance work is required.
How does site traffic access Orchard Grove?
What measures are being taken regarding flood protection?
Several attenuation basins have already been constructed within the site, ensuring that surface water can successfully drain away at a safe rate.