RDA invests £1.6M in Taunton's floodplain scheme

With funds of £1.6 million from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), Taunton Deane Borough Council has purchased 65 acres (26.5 hectares) of land, including Long Run Farm. The area will be designed and landscaped as both a public space for people to enjoy and also to ensure that flooding is not increased in the town due to the redevelopment of riverside sites.

The land was acquired following the results of a study by the Environment Agency which identified the significance of the site in increasing the River Tone flood storage capacity. This latest development for Project Taunton is very important in that it safeguards the Firepool area which will be the new commercial heart of the town and also allows the Third Way Road and other key development sites to be built.

Recognised as a key social and economic development for the region, Project Taunton is promoted and supported by Taunton Deane Borough Council, the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), Somerset County Council and the Environment Agency.

Talking about the significance for the regeneration of Taunton, Ian Franklin project director of Project Taunton said: "This is of huge importance for Project Taunton, it means that the town is now better protected against future flooding and gives us the confidence and reassurance to now crack on with the new developments."

Joy Wishlade, Strategic Director of Taunton Deane Borough Council said: "This is absolutely wonderful news. Not only does it perform the vital function of providing flood alleviation to the town centre and Firepool sites, but it also allows maximum access to the river through Taunton in terms of access and visual amenity. It also allows the most efficient development of the site without need of individual flood alleviation solutions for each site.

She continues: "This is partnership working at its best and thanks to the Environment Agency for developing the scheme and the Regional Development Agency for assisting with funding in order to provide such a huge economic benefit for the future."

Carl Budden, Head of Operations for the South West RDA in Somerset, said: "This is another exciting step forward in the regeneration of Taunton, and the South West RDA is pleased to have been able to help invest in it."

Speaking about the impact of this decision, Nick Gupta, Wessex Area Manager for the Environment Agency, said: "This is both an excellent example of the partners working together and of joined up thinking. The acquired land, when reprofiled, will not only assist in providing flood storage benefit to Taunton, but also provides a significant increase in public open space provision for the people of Taunton."

To find out more about Project Taunton:

• call Robbie Lowes on 01823 250 837

• visit www.projecttaunton.co.uk

• email robbie.lowes@projecttaunton.co.uk.