Construction work on the road leading to Wellington's new train station could be delayed until Christmas, the developer has cautioned.
After the government's spending review, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced in early July that funding would be provided for new railway stations in Wellington and Cullompton, alongside other Somerset transport schemes.
West of England Developments (Taunton) obtained outline planning consent in May 2024 for 200 dwellings on Nynehead Road in Wellington, incorporating the spine road needed to access the new station location.
The West Buckland-based firm later gained detailed approval in March for both the spine road and the 'station square' designed to welcome train passengers – with managing director Chris Winter indicating in early May that construction of the road would commence in September.
However, this timeline has now been delayed until the end of the year – creating a tight schedule to ensure the road's completion by the existing September 2026 deadline.
Mr Winter explained: "We expect the start date for the spine road and infrastructure to go back to the end of the year, with a completion of these works by the end of September 2026.
"We are awaiting final highway and drainage design and approval, and ecology licences necessary to remove sections of hedges for the spine road.
"This has all taken longer than expected."
The initial Section 106 agreement between the developer and the council stipulated that construction of the spine road must commence by June 5 and be completed by April 1, 2026.
In February, the developer sought to modify this element of the agreement to delay the start date – however, this application remains pending.
Somerset Council stated it would utilise all available resources to guarantee timely delivery of the road to avoid further construction delays for the station.
A spokesperson commented: "We don't have a start date for the road yet. Reserved matters planning consent is in place for the spine road and station square, pending the discharge of conditions.
"There is a legal obligation on the developer to deliver the spine road and this is required by the end of September 2026. We are working with them to ensure this happens."
Network Rail will handle delivery of the actual station and car park, with a separate planning application anticipated before year-end.
