OPINIONS have been split following the big announcement that Firepool development will go ahead, with some celebrating the step forward while others have called it a missed opportunity.

Andrew Sharman, the regional chair of South West Businesses Against Crime, was the chairman of Destination Taunton until he stood down in 2016.

Now, he has labelled the cinema and supermarket plans as 'insipid' and a 'lack of ambition'.

Mr Sharman added: "Taunton needs another supermarket like a fish needs a bike."

Here we look at reaction from the two sides since the Firepool application was passed by Taunton Deane Borough Council.

Somerset County Gazette:


PLEASED

Pete 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.”


Cllr Mark Edwards, deputy leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, said:

“We have a proud history – but we are looking to a prouder future. 

"This scheme to transform Firepool will make the most of our superb riverside environment and create a regional destination for retail, business, leisure and culture for generations to come.

"It will include high quality pedestrian and cycle links between the railway station and Coal Orchard, and from there into the town centre.

"This reinforces much improved access to these areas which are themselves coming forward for regeneration as part of our wider Taunton Garden Town Strategy."


Cllr John Williams, leader of the council, added:

"I know how much people want to see this largely derelict site developed.

"It is key to our overall Garden Town strategy that puts the River Tone back at the heart of the town and, most importantly, will provide new jobs and facilities for our residents.

"It will also cement our place as a regional centre with excellent links to London and beyond.

"Taunton is one of the fastest growing towns in the region, the only Garden Town in the South West and has the advantage of excellent road and rail connections, top quality schools and further education, first class medical facilities, great urban open spaces and superb countryside and coast on its doorstep.

"We need to be competitive and provide high quality facilities to attract continued inward investment and satisfy the needs of its growing population and the mix of uses proposed achieves just that."

Somerset County Gazette:


DISAPPOINTED

Andrew Sharman, regional chair of South West Businesses Against Crime, said: "The announcement of councillors approving the proposal for Firepool brings to an end a lost decade and as a consequence, the proposals are ten years too late to have any meaningful boost for the town centre.

"The lack of ambition is something that I have covered countless times before and the insipid concepts of cinema, supermarket, restaurants, and retail demonstrate the vision for our future leaves us in a position that means the very future of the town centre is in greater peril than ever.

"The evidence clearly shows that the way we shop has changed.

"Along with the declining fortunes for some of the towns anchor stores meaning that, within the next few years, we will lose at least one of these as nearby cities offer a greater experience and variety.

"Existing town centre stores like Next will move there leaving void units to be replaced by bargain stores, vaping shops, bookmaker or charity shops, further leading to a decline in our central retail offering.

"The recent boom and bust for restaurant chains further shows what a vulnerable strategy that is and a Taunton needs another supermarket like a fish needs a bike.

"So, ten years on and probably another decade before it’s all completed and all Firepool will represent is the lack of ambition and vision of our civic leaders.

"We could have had a regional centre of excellence in future tech, a visitor attraction, a cultural venue, and let’s face it looking at the growth around Junction 24, even redeveloping the livestock market would have had a greater impact on the local economy and community."