DOZENS of people have had their say over what they want to see included in Taunton’s Firepool regeneration – and a supermarket is not at the top of their wish list.

The £105m outline plan to redevelop the former cattle market site with 200 homes, a cinema, a supermarket, shops and more than 400 parking spaces has been approved.

But dozens of residents have taken to social media to voice their opinion over the development, and a live music and entertainment venue appears to be a popular choice.


READ MORE: FIREPOOL: Plan for 200 homes, cinema, and supermarket gets the green light


Julie Hunns said on Facebook: “Taunton doesn’t need more supermarkets. If you can’t be bothered to drive to Waitrose in Wellington then get them to deliver. It’s lovely to be asked but will people’s opinions be heard instead of it being sold to highest bidder?

“Can’t a multi-use space be designed, somewhere that could house live concerts, comedy or dance etc that could even be used as an indoor market space or sports hall?"

Polly Annabel Baker echoed her comments and added: “We need a concert venue – we need to be able to bring in big names, so we can bring money into the town.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Phillip Taylor would also welcome a music venue and also suggested – along with others – an ice rink is built there.

Sas Deem said: “We don’t need a supermarket – how many does a small town need?"

Patrick Monnelly added: “We neither want or need another supermarket. How about a venue for decent live music and shows you have to travel to see?”

Gideon Amos, the Liberal Democrat’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Taunton, said: “The ‘no more supermarkets’ bid is clearly winning in this thread. It’s amazing, this site is actually owned by the council and has been for 10 years.

Somerset County Gazette:

“Everyone can see we need high quality employment like an enterprise/training/higher education centre and the ice rink or concert venue everyone here has suggested.”

Others suggested Farm Foods, H&M, B & M Bargains and a trampoline park.

Melissa Kate Parkinson: “No more supermarkets needed – I appreciated you need investment and supermarkets are the easiest place to get this from, but seriously, it’s taken this long to agree a plan, let’s make a positive contribution to our town rather than diluting what we already have.”

Sally Satchell also stated: “If Bristol couldn’t sustain an ice rink, could Taunton?”

Somerset County Gazette:

Firepool is an integral part of the wider economic regeneration plans for Taunton with the potential to create in excess of 1,700 jobs as well as providing office, hotel and residential accommodation and supporting waterfront leisure and retail outlets.

The planning consent given follows months of detailed consultations between lead developer St Modwen and relevant statutory consultees.

Commenting on the decision, Peter Davies, commercial director for St Modwen, said: “As a regional and national developer with a strong track record in creating sustainable new communities, we are continually striving to transform places to create better futures.

"This positive outline planning decision will now enable us to work alongside Taunton Deane Borough Council to provide one of the largest mixed-use schemes in the South West and a lasting legacy for the town.”

He has declined to comment further on the specific details of the plan at this stage.