There’s a positive update to share for residents who have been asking about a dedicated community space within Orchard Grove – Taunton Town Council has taken an important first step towards making it happen.
The council has agreed to commit up to £25,000 towards a feasibility study, which will look at whether a community hub could be built within the development’s local centre, off Egremont Road.
This builds on planning commitments already in place for Orchard Grove, under which the council has the option to buy a plot of land within the local centre so that it can build its own community hall there, should it choose to. An indicative location for a hall is already identified within the approved plans for this part of the development.
With the next phase of housing in this area now getting under way, the council’s new study will look at whether a community hall would be a viable and valuable addition for the growing neighbourhood. It will consider:
- local need for the facility
- how much land would be needed
- possible layouts and designs
- likely costs
- funding options
- what planning permission would be required
Any findings will need to be considered and agreed by the council’s own committee before a planning application could be submitted to Somerset Council.
Councillor Nick O’Donnell, who chairs the committee behind the study, said: “This demonstrates our commitment to planning for the future while making practical improvements that benefit residents today. The Orchard Grove feasibility study is an important step in understanding how we can provide the community facilities that a growing neighbourhood needs.”
This feasibility study is a welcome and positive step forward – and reaffirms the council’s stated commitment to bringing a community hub to Orchard Grove. We’ll share further updates as the study progresses.
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