Coal Orchard development plans public consultation in Taunton

Shops, homes, restaurants and a business hub could be completed on the Coal Orchard Car Park by the year 2019.

The Brewhouse would remain and the immediate area around it protected for potential future expansion, but bosses are concerned about the impact the development could have on audiences.

Members of the public were able to view suggestions for the Coal Orchard project, which would involve the loss of around 60 parking spaces, at a consultation event in St James Church yesterday (Thursday, May 5).

The multi-million pound scheme involves demolishing the ageing St James Street Pool following the opening this summer of a new pool and spa beside the Blackbrook Pavilion.

Ian Timms, Taunton Deane Council's assistant director for business development, said: "It's been a long-standing part of the town centre action plan to develop the area.

Ian Timms.

"It complements the overall rethink and along with Firepool is part of the jigsaw of looking to create a place on the river."

Mr Timms said the council is looking for people's views over the coming weeks ahead of the project being discussed by the authority's executive on July 7 and an outline planning application being submitted shortly after.

A developer could then be appointed by Christmas and a full planning application could be completed by next summer, with work potentially starting by Christmas 2017 or early 2018, with completion within 12 to 18 months.

Brewhouse marketing manager Emma Webber said: "At this stage, we need to be aware of and consider the impact - positive and negative - for the Brewhouse.

Emma Webber.

"We're aware of our audience's concerns about the potential impact of a reduction in car parking. We need to maintain the Brewhouse cultural hub for the town and hope this will ultimately improve that."

The theatre's facilities manager Mark Dawson said: "There are some very obvious pros that go with a development like this.

Mark Dawson.

"There are also a few things we need to voice an opinion about to maybe temper a few of the ideas that Taunton Deane Borough Council has."

Abigail Aish, who attended yesterday's event, said: "In principle it's a good idea to develop the area.

"But I think they should move the Brewhouse to the old cattle market, where there's room to build a massive theatre and you could attract big names. In its present site it's limited and there's little parking."

Abigail Aish.