NEW roads, schools, cycle routes and flood defences are a step closer to fruition after an ambitious bid for Government cash moves forward.

Somerset County Council’s first step in its bid for £83m from the Housing Infrastructure Fund has been successful.

The money will be spent on new roads, schools, cycles routes and flood schemes in Taunton Deane and Sedgemoor which will accelerate the development of 17,600 houses.

READ MORE: Funding for £7.2million Staplegrove spine road pledged by Government

The announcement comes after successful bids for money to build Staplegrove Spine Road and East Bridgwater Spine Road were approved earlier this year.

The Government announced in February a £7.2million investment in a new Staplegrove Spine Road.

Theroad will support the 1,628 home plan which was approved by Taunton Deane Borough Council in October.

Somerset County Gazette:

The proposed route for Staplegrove Spine Road

Councillor David Fothergill, Leader of Somerset County Council, said: “We all know there is a need for new housing in Somerset and most communities tell us they support growth but only when suitable infrastructure is in place – particularly roads and schools.

“This cash would be hugely welcome by allowing the key infrastructure we need to be delivered upfront. Today’s announcement that we’ve been shortlisted is fantastic news and we’ll be working hard to fight our corner and secure the funding.”

Councillor John Williams, Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “This is excellent news for all involved in the bid submission and shows that by working together we can achieve results. Our Garden Town ambitions offer huge potential for Taunton – and the wider Borough.

“Sustainable growth and development is a key priority for us in Taunton Deane and we, as a council, are investing a total of £16.6m to help pump-prime projects. We have already been very successful in attracting Government funding towards delivering our ambitions so we will watch the progress of this joint bid with considerable interest and excitement.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Councillor Duncan McGinty, Leader of Sedgemoor District Council said: “This first stage acceptance of the joint bid is an encouraging indication that the government recognises this area as a ‘growth hub’ for the UK economy and I welcome this extremely positive news.”

Housing Secretary Sajid Javid said: “This Government is committed to working with communities to build the homes this country needs and ensure the right infrastructure is in place to support them.

“We will now be working closely with 45 areas shortlisted to apply for government investment including Somerset. These key projects will help unlock more much needed homes by delivering the roads, schools and doctor’s surgeries that communities need.”

The HIF bid now progresses into a ‘co-development’ phase with government officials working with Somerset to further advance the bids before final funding decisions are made. The department proposes to announce the successful bids from autumn 2018.

What’s included

Somerset County Council has put forward a programme of infrastructure schemes across Taunton and Bridgwater that will enable planned housing developments to be accelerated. The programme will be agreed in detail through the next stage of discussion with Government. Housing Infrastructure Fund will be used alongside a range of other funding sources to deliver essential infrastructure which includes:

  • Highway access and development spine roads which will directly access planned housing areas;
  • Schools which will be located within the new housing areas (sufficient funding to deliver three schools is being sought);
  • On-site drainage infrastructure within new development areas;
  • Essential off-site infrastructure to minimise the congestion impacts of new development areas; including localised highway improvements, cycle routes and improved pedestrian facilities;
  • The first phase of an A38 bus priority corridor (enhancing the existing roads to provide faster bus journeys and better passenger facilities) linking new development at Monkton Heathfield with Taunton town centre to reduce the car journeys associated with new development;
  • Contributions towards strategic flood management solutions which will protect existing housing and areas of new housing development.

Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow, welcomed the bid.

She said: "As I have constantly pointed out, there is a great demand for new houses, everyone wants a home of their own but it is absolutely essential that new housing must come with the correct infrastructure which includes transport links, schools, medical facilities and of course, green spaces.

"Getting through to the next round of this bidding process is a positive achievement in the light of strong competition, I shall continue to press the case for the final funding commitment."