Staplegrove

Location: Taunton, Somerset

Client: PM Asset Management

Status: Outline Planning Consent

Keep Architecture received planning consent for 915 new homes in 2017 for this sensitive and important site in North Taunton. By working with the land promoter, landowners (including the National Trust) and the local authority, a ‘Framework Plan and Development Brief Document’ was produced and endorsed by Taunton Deane Borough Council.

Successful public consultations, place branding and stakeholder engagement was undertaken to help achieve a masterplan that addressed multiple site constraints.

The content of the outline planning consent includes 915 houses and apartments, a primary school, a local centre, employment uses and an expansive green infrastructure strategy.

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Illustrative Comprehensive Masterplan

Existing Edges

Existing green wedge to be extended within the site to connect Taunton to the countryside. The proposed green wedge provides a divide between Staplegrove East and Staplegrove West, and an edge to the site boundary to the west. The Pyrland Estate provides an edge to the east of the site boundary, and the open countryside, while views to the Quantocks provides an edge to the north of the site.
Existing Buildings

A number of existing buildings surround the site boundary. Although dispersed and at a low density, they form the character of the area, and their setting is respected. The Grade II* listed Pyrland Hall sits to the east of the site within Pyrland Estate. The Grade II listed Okehills sits along Kingston Road at the southern end of the site. A number of farm buildings and dwellings sit along Whitmore Lane located to the west of the main bulk of the site. The existing settlement limit is just to the south of the site with existing dwellings along Hope Corner Lane and Corkscrew Lane.
Proposed Buffers

Buffers have been provided around the existing listed buildings, and help to enhance their setting. A tree belt that wraps around the north and east of the site helps to provide visual screening from the Quantocks. The Green Wedge provides a buffer for the Whitmore Lane dwellings and farms.
Proposed Green Links

Existing and proposed hedgerows and green space make up a wide network of green links which provide valuable connectivity to the local wildlife. Pedestrian and cycle links throughout the site are also provided.
Creation of Spine Road

A Spine Road is created, which would act as a high street The Spine Road would allow access to the local centre, employment sites, school, dwellings and public open space. The new Spine Road will provide a suitable level of animation and activity to the masterplan.
Access and Movement

The proposed vehicular, cycle and pedestrian network knits together and enhances with the existing movement network.