Taunton Deane MP Rebecca Pow has been involved in high level talks in Westminster to put the case for Taunton being awarded Garden Town status. Going right to the top, this week she discussed the proposal with Housing Minister, Gavin Barwell.
Under this new initiative successful bidders will unlock funds to develop locally led garden villages, towns and cities. Speaking after the meeting Rebecca Pow, MP said:
‘Giving people the opportunity to have a home of their own is one of the biggest issues raised with me. For a long time I have advocated that if we are to build more it must within a framework of the correct infrastructure. This means the best transport links, facilities, green spaces, cycle and walkways and with a strong sense of community and place making. If we can create attractive, sustainable communities in which to live then housing is more likely to be acceptable. If getting Garden Town status for the three sites allocated in the development plan for the Borough enables this then I believe that achieving Garden Town status could help towards these goals.’
Rebecca Pow, has been working closely with Leaders of both Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) and Somerset County Council (SCC) on this approach. It could assist in the delivery of the proposed 9,500 new homes with its associated 12,000 new jobs within the Borough to 2028.
Rebecca also added: ‘I had a full and frank discussion with Housing Minister, Gavin Barwell, making it clear that and the Government will now be giving these proposals the serious consideration they deserve. As a committed environmentalist I am pleased to see the provisions for green infrastructure included in the plans, this is absolutely vital to make these places healthy and sustainable places to live with the strongest sense of community.’
On the need for a Garden Town, Cllr John Williams, Leader of TDBC said:
‘We welcome the support of Rebecca Pow, in making our case to Government including the all-important need for funding for infrastructure. Garden Town status provides a huge opportunity for us to build on the high quality environment that Taunton is already well known for and to accelerate the delivery of our Vision – that Taunton will be an attractive, well connected place to live, work, learn and play; a meeting place for creative and innovative ideas, new technology and networking, art, music and recreation.
Taunton is already one of the three key growth hubs in the Heart of the South West LEP area and Garden Town status will provide additional support for transformational growth and investment in infrastructure; creating new communities and boosting our economy. The council has identified strategic urban extensions which ensure it can demonstrate a long-term deliverable supply of housing land in line with Government policy, and is working to ensure that the rate of housing is balanced with availability of employment land and essential infrastructure. We are committed to getting the balance right for the future growth and prosperity of the Deane and these is no doubt that achieving Garden Town status would be of great benefit in creating these high quality places.’
Somerset County Council Leader John Osman added:
‘Garden Town status for Taunton will be a huge boost for the whole county, providing much needed homes, jobs, and leisure and essential infrastructure improvements. We whole-heartedly back this ambitious application and call on Government to fast track the process so we can crack on and deliver these exciting plans.’
A decision is expected shortly.