Three key infrastructure projects are urgently needed to support the expansion of the Orchard Grove development on the west side of Taunton to provide 2,000 homes.

They have been put forward by local MP, Gideon Amos, in a letter to Matthew Pennycook, Minister of Housing and Planning.

Mr Amos – himself the Liberal Democrats' spokesperson on housing and planning – is calling for:

•          A new medical hub.

•          A new secondary school for West Taunton.

•          Completion of the Orchard Grove Link Road.

Mr Amos says in his letter that over 350 homes have been completed at Orchard Grove, alongside a new primary school, green space, and partially constructed transport infrastructure, including a Park and Bus facility.

“Despite these achievements, delivery has been impacted by a period of low sales, after mortgage rates peaked following the Truss budget, and delivery will soon be further impacted by the need to achieve phosphate mitigation at great cost.

He adds: “Delivery of further infrastructure would significantly accelerate the building of homes.”

In his letter, Mr Amos says that Taunton has not had a new GP surgery or secondary school for decades.

“Opening access to the development from the south via the proposed junction of the main street/spine road with Honiton Road is critical to speeding up the delivery of the Orchard Grove scheme.

“The development simply cannot be completed without this vital connection.”

He tells the Minister: “The government has rightly stated that delivery is key.

“If government is serious about unlocking housing and accelerating delivery, then funding must follow the ambition.

“Somerset Council, which had to find an extra £70million last year just to fund care for adults and children, lacks the financial means to fund these capital works.

“If the Government can fund the delivery of this essential infrastructure as part of its commitment to unlock development and support growth in our area then I and our local councillors are ready and willing to work in partnership to deliver at scale and pace.

“I look forward to discussing this further and hope government will match its policy ambitions with funding and action on the ground at Orchard Grove.”

Mr Amos visited Orchard Grove with Habib Farbahi, Somerset councillor for Comeytrowe and Trull.

He said afterwards: “The closure of Luson Surgery in Wellington makes the need for an NHS Hub at Orchard Grove even greater.

“I’d like to thank local councillors led by Habib Farbahi for everything they are doing to help provide the necessary infrastructure.”