The recent consultation over outline development proposals for part of the Firepool site in Taunton attracted a great response from local people. The £105 million development will deliver a brand new waterfront community with a vibrant mix of offices, shops and restaurants, a cinema, hotel and new homes and apartments.
St. Modwen, Taunton Deane Borough Council’s development partner for the site, held pre-application consultation events over two days in September 2015, offering people the chance to view the proposals and feedback their views.
Work on analysing the responses is now well under way with approximately 140 feedback forms filled in either at the consultation days at the Auction House and at Taunton Visitor Centre or submitted electronically or by post following the events. Approximately 300 people visited the events where members of the St. Modwen team were on hand to explain the proposals and the likely timetable for development.
The next step will be the submission of an outline planning application to the Borough Council in early November following continued consultation with statutory bodies including the various Council departments and the Environment Agency. Once registered the application documents will be available to view on the Council’s website and at their offices so members of the public can make any further comments to the Planning Department.
Part of the £105m Firepool site is already under development with 49 new riverside dwellings being delivered. Waste company Viridor has also established its headquarters at Firepool alongside Pip’s Park.
Pete Davies, Senior Development Manager at St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, said:
“We were delighted with the significant turn out at the recent public pre-planning application consultation event and are now working towards delivering the next milestone for the Firepool development – formal submission of the outline planning application.”
Cllr Mark Edwards, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council and responsible for business development, added:
“The Firepool site is key to our wider Town Centre growth and regeneration plans, making the most of our superb riverside environment and creating a regional destination for retail, business, leisure and culture.”
