THE Westpark 26 business park at Chelston is set to become home to Taunton Deane’s Direct Labour Organisation (DLO) in a deal worth nearly £3million.

The council plans to move the DLO and its 160 workers from its current base at Priory Way, Taunton, to new 17,500 sq ft premises on a 1.93-acre site near Wellington. Work on the new facility should start in late spring with DLO staff moving in by the end of the year.

Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) agreed the £2.947m deal with Westpark 26 developer Summerfield for premises made up of a warehouse, workshops, offices and a yard. The DLO’s new base will be at the western end of the 50-acre business park, just off Junction 26 of the M5 at Chelston.

Cllr Mark Edwards, Taunton Deane’s portfolio holder for Business Development, said: “A range of sites were considered in order to relocate the DLO. This option was verified as providing the best value for money following a detailed study and comparison with alternative sites.

“The purpose built facility will be a significant asset for the council. It will improve operational efficiency, occupy a smaller footprint with comparatively low maintenance and running costs, will provide a better quality work environment and be equipped to accommodate evolving operational requirements. It is encouraging to see this project taking a significant step forward.”

Cllr John Williams, Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, said: “The decision to relocate to Wellington has to be welcomed. Development at this site will support the council’s key corporate priority of growth and regeneration bringing economic benefit and employment opportunities throughout the Deane. It is a key part of our planning and investing for the future that we are releasing the existing DLO site for yet more investment in the economy of Taunton Deane.

“It is also very pleasing that that the contract for the new DLO site has gone to Summerfield Developments (SW) – a local company that contributes greatly to the prosperity of Taunton Deane.”

Ben Trickey, divisional director at Summerfield, said: “We are enormously proud that Taunton Deane Borough Council has chosen to house its DLO at Westpark 26. The council appraised a number of potential sites for this important function and has clearly recognised the excellent value and many benefits, including strategic location, offered by Westpark.

“In addition to being a welcome addition to Westpark’s community of businesses and organisations, the DLO’s site will be the first major scheme in the western part of the business park. This paves the way for further development growth at Westpark and is an indication of the business park’s ongoing capacity to accommodate businesses’ needs.”