No more houses without schools
A delegation from Taunton travelled to London for talks with Housing Minister, Matthew Pennycook, on how essential infrastructure can be delivered in the county town.
It follows the development of 2,000 new homes at Orchard Grove and national government targets for further major housing growth in Somerset.
The meeting was arranged by Gideon Amos MP who was accompanied by Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Planning Councillor Mike Rigby, Comeytrowe representative Cllr Habib Farbahi, and a senior planning officer.
They presented a proposal making the case for two vitally needed infrastructure projects for Taunton – a new secondary school and a neighbourhood health hub – to support growing communities.
The Minister’s team included representatives from Homes England including the organisation’s Assistant Director for the South West and its Head of Strategic Projects and other Ministry officials.
Gideon said afterwards: “At home in Taunton we all know the town is going to need a new secondary school as remaining places at existing schools are getting harder and harder to come by.
“Similarly, people should not have to accept thousands of new houses unless we get infrastructure such as more GP appointments and better NHS provision generally.
“Infrastructure for the town, including schools and GP surgeries, really must be agreed before more housing growth is imposed by government.
“The purpose of the meeting was to make that case to the Minister and we had a frank but constructive exchange of views.
“I’m hopeful we have made a real start and some progress on the need for both better health and education provision for our town.
“I think we convinced the Minister of the need because he proposed that we now develop a business case for a new community health centre for Taunton.
“He made clear that planning for a new secondary school would be a longer-term project requiring the assembly of a significant level of funding.
“But he agreed for his officials to raise the school proposal with the Department for Education.
“Significantly, the Minister indicated that the Orchard Grove development in Taunton could serve as a case study to explore how developments across the country could better integrate the development of schools, health services and other vital infrastructure alongside housing growth.
“I'm grateful to the Minister who genuinely listened and responded to the need for better health and school provision in Taunton.
“I, and my colleagues, will be keeping up the pressure on him to support this provision, including when I get my opportunities to challenge him about Taunton at the despatch box in the House of Commons,
“I’ll keep working closely with our councillors and use any lever I can to ensure our County Town gets the improvements it deserves”.
Habib added: “This was an extremely constructive meeting and demonstrates what can be achieved when local representatives, government ministers and senior council officers work together with a shared determination to deliver the infrastructure our communities need.
“Taunton is growing rapidly, and it is vital that schools, healthcare facilities and other essential services grow with it.
“By working collaboratively with government and Homes England, we are taking an innovative approach to ensure development is properly supported by the infrastructure residents deserve.”
Mike said: “Ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with housing is one of the most important challenges facing growing communities.
“This meeting showed that there is a genuine willingness from government to engage with local areas like Taunton and find practical ways to deliver the facilities people rely on.
“The meeting marks an important step forward in positioning Taunton as a leading example of how housing growth can be matched with the schools, healthcare and community infrastructure needed to support thriving communities.”
