The society flourished in the early seventies as a watchdog over local planning applications, seeking to support constructively the planning authority and developers, rather than to confront them, to achieve higher standards of design. It also organised programmes of lectures and visits to increase public awareness of the issues of conservation and enhancement of the towns and villages in the area. 

After a period of five years in cold storage in the late seventies the society was re-launched in 1981, in time to confront the problems arising from the rapid development of the Taunton area following the coming of the M5 motorway in 1975. The conflict between those who wanted to retain the atmosphere of a peaceful old market town and those who sought to secure its future as a growing business and administrative centre, and perhaps as a new university town, was the stimulus that provided the focus of the society activities. It was active in helping to develop the last two Local Plans and played its part, together with other amenity bodies and the architects, in shaping several successful new town centre schemes, notably the new town centre scheme which improved the pedestrian’s place, and the conversion of the County Hotel into a new retail development, conserving a substantial part of the listed building when it might have become a mere facade to the modern building. It was less successful in combating the banal character of much of the volume housing which has burgeoned in the last two decades, but was instrumental in the publication by the local council of a Design Guide for architects and developers. Further examples of the influence of the society are the biennial Design Awards scheme run jointly with Taunton Deane Borough Council, and introducing to the district the annual national Heritage Days, now managed jointly with the Borough Council. 

Like the many other amenity societies registered with the Civic Trust, the national body which promotes the quality of the urban environment, the Taunton and District Civic Society has developed its particular pattern of activities. This could change over time to reflect both the local needs and the enthusiasms of its membership. Perhaps like some others the society will launch a heritage centre or dig out a former canal basin. Watch this space!