Taunton Urban Design Framework - Taunton Deane Borough Council

The Taunton VisionAn Inclusive VisionThis document is the culmination of a year of analysis,consultation, design and testing of proposals, which buildon the original Taunton Vision document.The key principles which have guided the strategy reflectthe views of local residents, local businesses and keystakeholders in the town. They are:• Realising the town’s potential for new employment.• Providing the range of facilities needed to serve existingresidents, attract young people and attract newbusinesses.• Maximising the potential for town centre living.• Expanding the town centre.• Respecting the existing character of Taunton.• Enhancing its unique features – green spaces andhistoric buildings.• Maximising the potential for sustainable travel.• Putting the river at the heart of the town centre.The strategy has the support of the Borough Council, theCounty Council and the South West Regional DevelopmentAgency who will continue to work together to secure itsimplementation.IntroductionThese draft proposals build on the findings of the Taunton Vision. Theyare intended to provide a framework for the future of the town over thenext 20 years. The proposals are based on detailed study of the townand extensive consultation with landowners, businesses, keystakeholders and the wider public.Vision for Taunton:a fresh approach towardsthe town centre, the river frontage,transport and future growth as wellas taking confidence from the pastHave your sayExtract from exhibitionHammet Street c1791©Tom MayberryThe proposals seek to ensure that the town● Has a greater and more diverse range of jobopportunities;● Improves its shopping, leisure and culturalattractions;● Encourages more people to live in the towncentre and young people in particular toreturn to the town;● Addresses issues of traffic growth in acomprehensive and sustainable manner;● Achieves a ‘sustainable’ balance of jobsand housing.More specifically they include:● A design framework to guide the nature,location and quality of new development;● More detailed proposals for three major sitesFirepool, Tangier, and the main shopping area;● Advice on preferred expansion locations tomeet longer term housing needs.Terence O’Rourke12 The Taunton VisionSection 1Taunton UDF