A Taunton resident has voiced frustrations with Somerset Council regarding the slow progress in tidying up the Firepool regeneration site, a crucial area in the town’s ongoing development plans.
Recently, work was completed on a new boulevard running through the Firepool site, funded by central government grants. This boulevard provides a car-free route linking Taunton railway station with the town centre, passing through Firepool and the Coal Orchard area.
Martin Paikes, who lives near Coal Orchard, contacted the council’s enforcement team in mid-June to express concerns about the site’s appearance. He urged the council to take action to ensure that the recent landscaping work could properly establish itself.
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The council responded by stating that its enforcement team is currently addressing multiple issues related to the site and promised to provide an update on forthcoming actions within the coming weeks.
Mr Paikes revisited the issue at the council’s Planning Committee West meeting held in Taunton on 25 August. He explained, “I wrote to the planning enforcement team on 15 June about possible breaches of planning consent at Firepool, expecting a reasonable response. However, I was informed that the team could not investigate or take action as the council cannot enforce against itself and cited a lack of resources.” He added, “While I sympathise with the team’s challenges, I had hoped for a better response and consequently lodged an official complaint, which was only addressed seven weeks later.”
His comments follow concerns expressed by residents of Canal Court, who have raised issues regarding the site’s condition ahead of an important vote on Firepool’s future development.
Bill Cotton, interim service director for planning at Somerset Council, provided a written response to Mr Paikes, which was read out during the meeting by committee chairman Councillor Simon Coles. In the statement, Mr Cotton acknowledged the concerns and outlined steps being taken: “Our planning enforcement team is reviewing the matters raised to assess whether further action is required. Those responsible for managing the site have already begun work to resolve several issues, including arrangements for watering the landscaping through the rest of the growing season with interim measures currently underway. Contractor support has been secured to review and replace any failed planting obligations. Moreover, efforts are underway to remove remaining materials and enhance the overall site presentation.”
He concluded by recognising the public interest in maintaining the appearance and upkeep of this significant regeneration area and confirmed that an update will be provided once the enforcement team completes its review.
Currently, Somerset Council is looking for a development partner to advance the Firepool project after acknowledging that its previously approved masterplan was not feasible to implement independently.