New Recreational Space for Taunton Takes Step Forward

Monday, 12 October 2009 11:32

The creation of Longrun Meadows, a new rural open space right on the edge of Taunton, has taken a significant step forward with the recent submission of its planning application.

The application proposes to landscape what was originally pasture land and create a green space that is accessible to all and which will provide diverse habitats for an array of wildlife. Located on the site of the town's flood alleviation system which was completed earlier this year, the area has been designed by Taunton landscape architect, Swan Paul Partnership.

Proposed features of Longrun Meadows include an open green oak barn, seating shelters, barbecues, facilities for a Forest School, paths, wildflower meadows and wildlife hides. Particularly exciting is the proposal for a large green cathedral made of willow, the first of its kind in the UK.

The site is approximately 28 hectares and extends from French Weir and Marshallsea Walk to Silk Mills and St Margarets Hospice. Longrun Meadows will be the western most point of a ‘necklace' of public spaces along the River Tone, including Hankridge Farm and Childrens Wood to Firepool, the old cattle market site, Somerset Square, Brewhouse, Goodland Gardens, Tangier and French Weir.

The most important element of Longrun Meadows is to improve access across Taunton for pedestrians and cyclists. It will provide linkages between the Western Park and Ride, Frieze Hill, French Weir, Castle School, Somerset College, Silk Mills, St Margaret's Hospice, Abbeyfield, Heron Drive and the Sustrans cycle network. To enable this to happen three new bridges across the River Tone are planned.

The design team includes representatives of the Environment Agency, Taunton Deane Borough Council, Somerset County Council, Project Taunton, Engineers, Ecologists and the Tone Schools Partnership. Ian Franklin, Project Director of Project Taunton, explains why Longrun Meadow is an important part of the town's regeneration: "The Longrun Meadows project is a fantastic example of team work. What was once private land has been acquired with SW Regional Development Agency funds for the enjoyment of the people of Taunton and visitors to the town. There will be plenty of space where children can play, areas where people can relax and interesting wildlife - and all just a stones throw from the centre of town."

Landscape architect, Steve Swan, who prepared the design, said: "This rural open space, right on the edge of Taunton will be a great asset to the town. It will be quite different to the other urban parks, such as French Weir and Vivary Park, being deliberately designed to feel like a country park."

Full details of the plans for Longrun Meadows can be found on Taunton Deane Borough Council's website www.tauntondeane.gov.uk/planning.

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