WORK has started on an access road for Wellington’s planned new railway station.

The access from Nynehead Road running behind the town’s Lidl supermarket will be built by Bloor Homes South West.

The company was granted full planning permission for 178 houses from which Bloor will cover the cost of the station approach.

To mark the official start of construction, a ceremony was held by Bloor Homes.

The ceremony was attended by MP for Taunton and Wellington Gideon Amos (Lib Dem), who cut the first turf to get work under way, alongside and senior members of Bloor Homes’ Exeter team.

Bradley Davison, regional managing director for Bloor Homes’ Exeter region, said: “Having completed the purchase of the new site in Wellington with outline planning consent for up to 200 homes in August last year, it has only taken six months to reach such a significant point. This is thanks to the ongoing support for the project from Mr Amos, a positive collaboration with the council to deliver the town’s housing needs alongside the long-awaited station access, and a concerted team effort.

“The new development of 178 two, three and four bedroom quality, energy efficient homes at our new Lillebonne Place development in Wellington will continue our long and proud association with the town, following the previous success of our nearby Longforth development. It’s great to be back in this vibrant location to help deliver the infrastructure and investment Wellington needs to thrive.”

Mr Amos has been instrumental in securing this project for Wellington which has full government backing.

Rail services will finally be returning the town more than 60 years after the original station closed in the 1960s.

Construction on the spine road began on March 2, with contractors under obligation to complete the route and the foundations of the 'station square' by September 2026.

The new train station is expected to be operational by 2028.

As well as a new station square and mobility hub, the new development includes significant community benefits, including £2-million in Section S106 contributions, nine acres of open spaces and play facilities, and two acres of employment use land.

The local area will also benefit from walking and cycling routes provided both along the entire length of the access road and along the western boundary towards the B3187 Taunton Road.

Mr Amos said: “I am delighted to be breaking ground for the building of the access road to Wellington getting its station back over 60 years after its closure by Harold Macmillan’s then Conservative government.

“Last year, when station projects were being cancelled around the country it was Wellington residents and key town councillors coming out in force, which helped me build multi-party support from across the West Country and win the funding that will see a new one come forward.

“Today, thanks to locally based Cherwyn Developments and to Bloor Homes and my colleagues on Somerset Council, our town is very much on the road to its new station.”