A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme preliminary design consultation October 2021
Results updated 14 Feb 2022
The consultation on the A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme preliminary design ended on Monday 22 November 2021.
Today (14 February 2022) we have published a consultation summary report. This outlines how the consultation was carried out, the number of responses received overall, and the key themes raised by those who took part.
What will happen next?
The A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling scheme is classified as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’ defined under the Planning Act 2008 and therefore we need to obtain planning consent to build the project through a Development Consent Order (DCO).
We are continuing to look at the responses to the consultation and are developing our proposals further for the DCO application.
Our DCO application will, as mentioned above, include the full consultation report, summarising all the feedback and showing how it has informed the development of the project.
To read the consultation summary report please see the link below.
To find out more about the scheme, log onto www.nationalhighways.co.uk/A358-Taunton-to-Southfields
Files:
- A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme Public consultation summary report February 2022.pdf, 7.8 MB (PDF document)
Links:
Overview
We're consulting on our proposals to upgrade the A358 Taunton to Southfields to dual carriageway.
This will improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity for road users and local communities, while unlocking economic growth in Somerset and the South West.
This consultation will close at 23.59 on Monday 22 November 2021. Please make sure you share your views by then, so that they can be taken into account.
Copies of the consultation materials can be found at the bottom of this page. Please make sure you've read these, or attended a consultation event, before completing the consultation questionnaire.
Give Us Your Views
Why your views matter:
Since announcing our preferred route for the project in 2019 we've been refining the design for the new road. This scheme fly-through video shows what we're proposing to do.
We'd like to know what you think about these more detailed plans.
We also want your feedback on the Preliminary Environmental Information (PEI) report, which sets out how we’re assessing and mitigating the potential environmental effects of the scheme, including the design changes. You can read the PEI Report here:
Note: there are also links to the individual chapters of the PEI Report, the appendices and the figures referenced in it, at the bottom of this page.
To help you provide your feedback, we're making information available in lots of different ways:
- We have a virtual exhibition running throughout the consultation period
- We are hosting three face-to-face consultation events
- We are running themed webinars during the consultation period
- We are hosting web chats through our virtual exhibition room
- You can use our telephone surgery to request a call back from the project team
- You can read the documents at the bottom of this page. Note, this is the same information as can be found in the virtual exhibition.
Virtual exhibition
Our virtual exhibition has been developed to help bring the consultation materials to life. It will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of the consultation, and includes videos explaining what we're proposing to do, along with detailed plans and other important information such as the Preliminary Environmental Impact (PEI) Report. There will be opportunities to take part in webchats with the project team at set times (see details below).
Physical face-to-face consultation events
We're holding three in-person events during the consultation period (see events section below). These will include the same information as the virtual event, but offer the chance to talk to someone face-to-face.
Themed webinars
We're hosting some themed webinars on Microsoft Teams with out project team, focusing on different topics and specialist areas. At these, one-hour-long, events our team will give a short presentation and then take questions from attendees. You can submit your questions using the chat function (which can be used anonymously).
| Webinar theme | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Consulting on the A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme |
Thursday 14 October |
12 noon |
|
Section 1 – M5 junction 25 to Mattock’s Tree Green junction |
Wednesday 20 October |
5pm |
|
Section 2 – Mattock’s Tree Green junction to Griffin Lane |
Thursday 21 October |
12 noon |
|
Section 3 – Griffin Lane to Ashill junction |
Thursday 21 October |
5pm |
|
Section 4 – Ashill junction to Southfields roundabout |
Friday 22 October |
5pm |
|
Walking, cycling and horse-riding, including disabled users |
Monday 1 November |
3pm |
|
The environment |
Tuesday 2 November |
3pm |
|
Traffic modelling |
Thursday 4 November |
3pm |
|
Consulting on the A358 Taunton to Southfields Dualling Scheme |
Thursday 18 November |
6pm |
If you'd like to attend one of these webinars, please email us at A358TauntontoSouthfields@highwaysengland.co.uk. You will then be sent an invitation to join the event.
Web chats
Members of the A358 project team will be available to answer questions via a web chat in the virtual exhibition, at these times.
| Web chat date | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday 12 October | 4pm – 7pm |
| Wednesday 13 October | 11am – 2pm |
| Friday 15 October | 8am – 11am and 3pm – 6pm |
| Monday 18 October | 12 noon – 3pm |
| Wednesday 20 October | 10am – 1pm and 6pm – 9pm |
| Friday 22 October | 9am – 12 noon and 3pm – 6pm |
| Thursday 18 November | 3pm – 6pm |
| Friday 19 November | 9am – 12 noon |
To take part in a web chat, log onto the virtual exhibition at the relevant time and use the chat function in the corner of the screen.
Telephone surgery
If you'd like to talk to a member of the project team and can't attend the face-to-face events, you can request a call back from a member of the project team instead. Call backs will be made between 12 noon and 7pm, Mondays to Fridays, during the consultation period, subject to availability.
You can request a call back by emailing A358TauntontoSouthfields@highwaysengland.co.uk or calling 0300 123 5000. We'll offer slots on a first-come, first-served basis.
Access to hard copies of the consultation materials / home delivery
If you don't have access to the internet or you experience problems downloading the consultation materials, we can send you free of charge one copy of the consultation brochure and feedback form in the post.
If you'd like to request hard copy materials, please either email or call us using the following details: Email: A358TauntontoSouthfields@highwaysengland.co.uk or telephone 0300 123 5000. Alternatively you can also get these materials at the face-to-face consultation events (see events list below) or from the deposit points (list below).
You can return your completed feedback questionnaire via post to:
FREEPOST A358 TAUNTON TO SOUTHFIELDS
Note the address must be written in capital letters and you do not need a stamp.
What happens next?
This scheme is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) under the Planning Act 2008.
Because of its national significance, the scheme needs a Development Consent Order (DCO).
Following this consultation, we will carefully consider all comments received before submitting our DCO application. If the application is accepted by the Planning Inspectorate, there will then be an examination of the application in which the public can participate. This examination will take a maximum of six months. The Planning Inspectorate then has three months to make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who then has a further three months to make a final decision.
More information about the DCO process can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website: http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk. The process is also explained by this short animation.
What happens next
We will take time to consider your feedback when making further refinements to our proposed designand developing our planned mitigation measures.
We will set out a summary of the responses that you have given us in a consultation report, with details on how your feedback has shaped and influenced the proposals.
This report will form part of our Development Consent Order (DCO) application and will be published following submission of our application. We expect to submit our DCO application in 2022 and, if it is granted, start work in 2024/25.
Events
-
Virtual exhibition
From 12 Oct 2021 at 10:00 to 22 Nov 2021 at 23:59One of the best ways to find out about our proposals is to visit our virtual exhibition room. Here, you can learn more about the project, study detailed plans and put your questions to our team.
Visit the exhibition here https://a358-taunton-to-southfields.virtual-engage.com -
Face-to-face consultation event - Taunton Racecourse
From 19 Oct 2021 at 14:00 to 19 Oct 2021 at 20:00Location: Taunton Racecourse, Orchard Portman, Taunton, TA3 7BL
-
Face-to-face consultation event: Monks Yard, Ilminster
From 23 Oct 2021 at 11:00 to 23 Oct 2021 at 18:00Location: Monks Yard (Conference Room), Horton Cross Farm, Horton Cross, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9PT
-
Face-to-face consultation event: Holiday Inn, Taunton
From 3 Nov 2021 at 11:00 to 3 Nov 2021 at 18:00Location: Holiday Inn Taunton, Deane Gate Avenue, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 2UA
Audiences
- Industry
- Business
- Commerce
- All members of the public
- Anyone from any background
Interests
- Roads
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