20.12.2017

The Nexus 25 employment site at M5 Taunton moves a step closer

The Nexus 25 employment site at J25 of the M5 at Taunton has moved a step closer this month. The Local Development Order (LDO), which sets out the guidelines for the development was approved by Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) on 12 December.

The LDO for this strategically important, 25 ha site, was prepared by LHC and Peter Brett Associates (PBA) on behalf of TDBC, with Henry Boot Developments now selected to bring forward the development.

Nexus 25 will provide a range of flexible accommodation for research and development, health, education and digital technology alongside high quality office space, light industrial units and warehouses. Designed as a Green Campus, the site will include walkways and landscaping to create an environment in line with Taunton’s new Garden Town status.  It will create new jobs while contributing to TDBC’s ambitious growth plans for Taunton. Road access to the site will be provided following completion of the Somerset County Cumcil’s Junction 25 improvement scheme.

LDOs were introduced by the government to enable Local Planning Authorities to speed up the implementation of planned developments, while ensuring that all the usual environmental and planning safeguards are applied. The plans for Nexus 25 were unveiled in March 2017, followed by an informal and statutory consultation where residents and other stakeholders were invited to comment.

Now approved, the LDO will set out the extent and nature of the proposed development together with all the planning and design requirements that any proposals must meet. Developers must demonstrate to the Council that their proposals satisfy the requirements of the LDO in order for them to proceed.

LHC has previous experience of preparing Local Development Orders and recently worked with South Devon College to successfully gain consent for an LDO for their campus in Paignton. The LDO, the first for an educational establishment, sets out a framework that will support the growth and success of the college into the future, and give greater flexibility for the college to develop new premises and facilities or adapt existing premises.