A resident of Taunton has criticised Somerset Council over what he regards as slow progress in maintaining the Firepool regeneration site, a key development area in the town.
Recent work has been completed on the boulevard running through the Firepool site, funded by central government grants. This new boulevard offers a car-free route connecting Taunton railway station to the town centre via Firepool and Coal Orchard.
Martin Paikes, who lives in the Coal Orchard area, contacted the council’s enforcement team in mid-June to express concerns about the site’s appearance. He urged officers to take action to ensure the newly planted landscaping is properly established.
READ MORE: Hidden Gem: Whovian Chef’s Authentic Asian Restaurant Shines Amid Chain Dominance
READ MORE: Full List of TG Jones Stores Closing This Month Amid Major Restructuring
In response, the council stated that its enforcement team is currently dealing with several issues on the site and promised an update in the coming weeks regarding the planned actions.
Mr Paikes raised these concerns again during the recent meeting of the council’s planning committee west, which took place in Taunton on 25 August. He highlighted his concerns about possible breaches of planning consent at Firepool, stating, “I wrote to your planning enforcement team on 15 June regarding possible infringements. I received a reply indicating that the team could not investigate or take action as the council cannot enforce against itself, and due to resource constraints.”
He added, “I sympathise with the team’s pressures, but I expected a more satisfactory response. I filed an official complaint, which took seven weeks to be addressed. What progress has been made on the apparent planning breaches on the southern boulevard?”
These issues come amid complaints from Canal Court residents about the condition of the site, ahead of a significant vote concerning the future development of Firepool.
Bill Cotton, Somerset Council’s interim service director for planning, issued a written reply to Mr Paikes. This was read aloud by Councillor Simon Coles, the planning committee chair, during the meeting. In the statement, Mr Cotton acknowledged the dissatisfaction and assured that the planning enforcement team is reviewing the concerns raised. He explained that management bodies have begun addressing the identified matters:
- Arrangements are in place to water the landscaping for the remainder of the growing season, including interim measures ongoing on-site.
- Contractor support has been secured to review and replace any failed planting in accordance with contractual obligations.
- Efforts are underway to remove remaining materials and enhance the site’s overall presentation.
Mr Cotton emphasised, “We recognise the public interest in the site’s appearance and maintenance and are committed to addressing the issues appropriately. After the enforcement team completes its review, findings will be considered alongside other operational actions, and a further update will be provided.”
Somerset Council is currently searching for a development partner to progress the Firepool project, having acknowledged that it cannot implement its approved masterplan independently.