Homes, convenience store and takeaway planned for Paragon Laundry site in Bridgwater (From Bridgwater Mercury)

Homes, convenience store and takeaway planned for Paragon Laundry site in Bridgwater

10:58am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News By Matthew Colledge

AN eyesore site near Bridgwater town centre could be redeveloped into 36 homes, a convenience store and a fast food takeaway.

The site of the former Paragon Laundry in Taunton Road, has been empty and strewn with rubble since the business was destroyed in a massive fire in August 2009.

The Mercury reported last summer how there had been plenty of interest in the site, and that an offer had been made which was likely to include homes and businesses.

The deal has now gone through and Weston-based developer, Stevens Hatherley Holdings, has made a planning application for a convenience store - which would be bigger than a Tesco Express but smaller than a Tesco Metro - a takeaway, 22 houses and 14 flats.

Jill Richards, who lives near the site, has written to Sedgemoor District Council to object, arguing Taunton Road does not need more shops and takeaways.

She wrote: “Will it became a magnet for youths to hang out shouting and swearing at all hours and also drunks on their way home?”

The applicants say the scheme will have minimal impact on the area.

Rogers and Jones Architects, who are working for the developer, say: “The buildings have been designed to have a traditional appearance that reflects the architectural styling of the adjacent Victorian terraced dwellings.”

They add: “The impact on neighbouring properties has been given careful consideration and in our opinion the proposals will have a minimal impact on the adjacent properties, highway and other developments in the wider area.

“The former commercial use of this site ceased some time ago and the integration of both retail and residential is considered to provide the most efficient and effective use of the redundant site.”

The plans also include an access road off Taunton Road.