THERE is speculation that Waitrose could submit a planning application to build a store in the derelict Firepool site in Taunton later this year.

The supermarket chain, which already has an outlet in Wellington, has admitted it would also like to open in the county town – as reported in last week’s edition of the County Gazette.

And bosses have been in confidential talks with Taunton Deane Council about taking space on the former livestock market site off Priory Bridge Road.

Asked about the possibility of Waitrose coming to Firepool, a spokesman for the local authority’s development partner, St Modwen, said this week: “We are progressing discussions with potential occupiers at Firepool with the intent of submitting a planning application this year.”

The council hopes to attract a number of retailers to the site, which has been disused for several years, once it is opened up for development when the Northern Inner Distributor Road is completed later this year.

It could also house homes, bars, a car park, play area, a boulevard and a riverside open space.

A Waitrose spokeswoman told the County Gazette last week that the company is exploring opportunities in Taunton but added: “No announcements at this time.”

A Taunton Deane Council spokeswoman said the authority and St Modwen are working to “secure occupants for the Firepool site”.

A public consultation on the site is likely to start in the summer.