PLANS to dual the A358 between Taunton and the Southfield roundabout will be scrapped, a land agent has claimed.

The scheme, which was put on hold in December last year, also included plans for a Henlade bypass, and is to be cancelled completely now, according to a local agent who asked not to be named.

Our source said: “We have just been told that the A358 Taunton to Southfields is to be cancelled. Agents have been told to settle all claims.”

“Any Henlade bypass will fall to Somerset Council to deliver.”

The scheme was estimated to cost in the region of £250 to £500 million as quoted by National Highways.

Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow confirmed to the County Gazette that she has been working with communities along the route to help address their concerns.

She also confirmed that she has had and will continue to have meetings with the Roads Minister to further ascertain the outcome of this matter.

She said: "For many months I have been working with communities along the route of the A358. “Wide-ranging concerns have been raised regarding some stretches of the proposed upgrade.

“I have had meetings with the Roads Minister and the Secretary of State for Transport, Mark Harper, to make it clear that the most pressing issue on this road is the need for a bypass for Henlade.

“I am exploring opportunities to further this and I have another meeting scheduled with the roads minister shortly.”

Somerset County Gazette:

To get confirmation on the claims, we spoke to National Highways and the Department of Transport, both of whom were unable to give a fresh comment to the one they gave in December 2023.

A spokesperson, from both departments, said: “National Highways, with the support from the Government, will not be submitting the Development Consent Order application for the A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme as planned this year and we are working with Government on the next steps.

“We will continue to work with impacted landowners and communities to resolve any outstanding queries they may have regarding the current scheme proposal.”

Somerset County Gazette: Locals to the A358 have been left 'in limbo'.Locals to the A358 have been left 'in limbo'. (Image: National Highways)

After this announcement, residents feared that the plans for the A358 and a bypass around Henlade could be scrapped and said they were left in limbo.

A resident, who asked not to be named, said: "Part of my land and property was to be requisitioned for the scheme.

"National Highways' announcement has put people living here in limbo.

"There's huge uncertainty. There is no indication whatsoever about what the future is.

"We want to know where we stand."